HF III: HF44 – Strengthening Legal Culture in Serbia and the Capacities of the Judicial and the Prosecutorial Councils
The main objective of the project is to strengthen legal culture in Serbia by enhancing the independence, professionalism, accountability, transparency, and effectiveness of the judiciary and prosecution, in line with European standards and the new constitutional and legislative framework.
Main partners and beneficiaries: The Ministry of Justice; High Judicial Council; High Prosecutorial Council; Supreme Court; Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office; Judicial Academy; Law Faculties; Bar Association of Serbia; civil society organisations.
Component 1 – Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils: Judicial and prosecutorial councils in Serbia operate in a more inclusive, independent, professional, accountable, and transparent manner. High Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils apply improved operational tools and mechanisms, members and staff demonstrate strengthened capacities to manage judicial careers, and disciplinary and ethics bodies function effectively. This ensures fair oversight of judges and prosecutors and reinforces the councils’ role as protectors of judicial independence.
Component 2 – Legal Culture of Judges and Prosecutors: Judges and prosecutors apply new legislation and European standards in their daily work, reflecting an advanced legal culture. The Judicial Academy implements enhanced transparency and integrity mechanisms, while targeted capacity-building, awareness-raising, and training activities improve professional ethics, decision-making quality, and consistency in judicial practice across Serbia.
Component 3 – Legal Education and Professional Development: Law faculties, judicial institutions, and the Bar Association strengthen cooperation to foster education, professional development, and career interest in the judiciary. Curricula for law students integrate practical legal skills, ethics, accountability, and judicial independence, while students and young lawyers gain practical exposure through pilot courses, forums, and joint activities, increasing the pool of well-prepared future judges and prosecutors.
Component 4 – Public Trust and Transparency: Public trust in the judiciary is enhanced through improved case-law harmonisation, proactive communication strategies, and transparent publication of court decisions and prosecutorial practices. The Supreme Court and prosecution offices implement digital and AI-supported tools, ensuring consistent application of law, timely access to information for citizens, and strengthened confidence in judicial independence and accountability
Project Information
- Duration: 12 months (1 January 2026 – 31 December 2026)
- Country: Serbia
- Budget: 1.000 000 EUR
- Funding: European Union – DG ENEST
Project Documentation
Project Summary
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