Key discussions on the execution of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgments took place in Belgrade, as representatives of the Department for the Execution of ECtHR Judgments and the Co-operation Programmes Division of the Council of Europe met with relevant Government stakeholders to discuss several cases pending before the Committee of Ministers.

The delegation met with the Government Agent and representatives of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Finance, as well as with President, a Judge, and staff of the Constitutional Court of Serbia. Discussions centred on the implementation of the Kacapor and Others group of cases, concerning the longstanding issue of non-enforcement of domestic judicial decisions against socially/state-owned companies.

The Serbian authorities provided updates on the implementation of the Law on the Protection of the Right to a Trial Within Reasonable Time, amended with the action’s support in late 2023 with the aim to transfer these cases from ordinary courts to the Constitutional Court, which adopted measures and procedures to ensure their efficient processing—resulting in the enforcement of decisions of approximately 4 370 individuals in just over one year. The authorities also outlined other financial and operational steps aimed at preventing similar violations in the future.

In the meeting with the Constitutional Court, the delegation was also informed about recent developments (adoption of revised rules and harmonisation of case-law) to ensure that third parties are informed of constitutional complaints (Stefanović and Banković) and increase compensation awarded in cases related to violations of family life (Kostić). The discussion also covered judicial review of pre-trial detention and investigations into alleged police ill-treatment (Radonjić and Romić judgment and Stanimirović group).

This event is a part of the ongoing efforts of the actions "Strengthening human rights protection in Serbia" to provide assistance to the state institutions in executing judgments of the European Court by enabling a platform for exchange of information and co-ordination. It is part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, implemented by the Council of Europe.  

The action “Strengthening human rights protection in Serbia” is designed to facilitate and contribute to the protection of human rights in Serbia by and before domestic judicial authorities in line with European human rights standards.