Main developments in the implementation of the free legal aid framework in North Macedonia and key priorities for further strengthening the system were discussed during the 18th Meeting of the National Coordination Body for Free Legal Aid. The event brought together around 60 representatives of the Ministry of Justice and its Regional Offices, Bar Association, Ombudsman, judiciary, Chamber of Expert Witnesses, authorised civil society organisations and legal clinics.
The meeting was opened by Giovanni-Battista Celiento, Head of Division, Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law, Council of Europe, Jeton Shasivari, Minister of Justice of the Republic of North Macedonia, Lazo Gjorgjievski, President of the Bar Association of North Macedonia, and Faton Seljami, Ombudsperson of the Republic of North Macedonia.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Justice, Jeton Shasivari, underlined the importance of ensuring equal access to justice and effective legal protection for all citizens: “Free legal aid is not a privilege. It is a right. Access to justice must not depend on a person’s financial situation.”
The Ombudsperson Faton Seljami highlighted the importance of close inter-institutional cooperation in ensuring effective access to justice, stressing that “all relevant stakeholders should make every effort in their work so that justice is accessible and attainable for every citizen.” He also underlined that stronger co-operation between institutions can help identify potential gaps in the legal framework and facilitate citizens’ access to justice.
Participants reviewed key trends and challenges in the implementation of the Law on Free Legal Aid in 2026, drawing on the perspectives of institutions, lawyers, authorised civil society organisations, and legal clinics. Discussions also addressed the status and role of expert witnesses in proceedings where legal aid is granted, including the engagement of experts, conduct of expertise and applicable remuneration arrangements.
Particular attention was given to the implications of the new Law on Civil Procedure for the implementation of free legal aid, including exemption from procedural costs and the appointment of temporary representatives.
The meeting further considered possible institutional reforms to improve the management and efficiency of the free legal aid system. The Cost-Benefit Analysis on the possible establishment of a single body responsible for managing the free legal aid system was promoted and the main findings and recommendations were presented and discussed. Stakeholders also exchanged views on the opportunities, challenges and practical implications of integrating the legal aid in civil, administrative and criminal proceedings within a unified system.
This event was organised with the support of the action “Towards a consolidated and more efficient Free Legal Aid (FLA) system in North Macedonia”, part of the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”. It provided a platform for exchanging practical experiences, identifying common challenges and discussing issues requiring further attention.