site.btaCabinet Sets Up Council for Judicial Reform Strategy

Cabinet Sets Up Council for JudicialReform Strategy

Sofia, January 13 (BTA) - The Government took a decision on the establishment of a Council for Implementation of the Updated Strategy for Continuing the Reform in the Judiciary as a permanent body under the Council of Ministers, the Cabinet's press service said on Wednesday.

The Council will coordinate the implementation of the strategy, monitor the fulfillment of the goals set, adopt roadmaps for attainment of the strategic goals and discuss documents, activities and initiatives, related to implementation of the strategy measures and the roadmaps.

The Council will include representatives of the judiciary and the executive, other institutions, organizations of judges, prosecutors, investigators, court employees, NGOs and the academic community. Issues requiring legislative changes or decision of the National Assembly will be discussed in the presence of the Chairperson of the National Assembly Legal Affairs Committee and floor leaders or their representatives.

The criteria for membership of NGOs have also been regulated. They should have worked for at least five years in the area of judicial reform and should have implemented specific initiatives in this field. They will participate in the Council meetings on the principle of rotation.

Due to the diversity of the specific goals and activities within the strategy, it is envisaged to set up expert working groups with the Council to assist the fulfillment of the strategy measures.

The Justice Ministry will be in charge of the administrative, technical and organisational servicing of the new structure.