The Local Co-ordination Body for the implementation of the Law on Free Legal Aid in Kumanovo during its second meeting tackled key interventions to address main challenges that citizens face in the efforts to exercise their right for free legal aid.  Supported by the EU and Council of Europe joint action “Towards a Consolidated and More Efficient Free Legal Aid (FLA) System in North Macedonia” in co-operation with the Regional Office of the Ministry of Justice in Kumanovo, the Local Co-ordination Body was an opportunity to share information, communication and co-ordination among the stakeholders concerning the implementation of the Law on Free Legal Aid in the local community. 

The meeting, held at the premisses of the Municipal Council of Kumanovo, brought together around 30 participants – representatives of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Justice in Kumanovo, local lawyers, representatives of the CSOs, as well as representatives of the Centre for Social Work.

During the meeting the Council of Europe consultant presented the recently adopted amendments on the Law on Free Legal Aid and its alignment with the Law on expertise. Some of the conclusions adopted at the last meeting of the National Co-ordination Body for FLA were also presented.

The local lawyers emphasised the difficulties they face when dealing with FLA cases and the need for better co-ordination with the Basic Court of Kumanovo. During the meeting it was agreed that a follow up meeting with judges from the Basic Court of Kumanovo will be held.

Additional topics were discussed, including access to information needed for processing legal aid applications, the referral of individuals requiring legal aid, promotion of the Law, and specific legal needs affecting the local community.

The European Union and the Council of Europe have supported the establishment and facilitation of the Local Co-ordination Bodies in Bitola, Stip and Kumanovo. These bodies enhance communication and coordination among stakeholders regarding the implementation of the Law on Free Legal Aid at the local level.  Establishment of local co-ordination bodies in other municipalities in North Macedonia will also be further encouraged and supported. Such efforts will increase the capacities of this bodies to become entirely self-sustainable in the future beyond the end of the joint EU/Council of Europe project.

The action “Towards a Consolidated and More Efficient Free Legal Aid (FLA) System in North Macedonia” is part of the “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, a joint European Union and Council of Europe programme implemented by the Council of Europe.