Last week the government approved the proposal for the establishment of a Council on the implementation of the updated strategy for continuing the reform of the judiciary. The council will function as a permanent advisory body to the Council of Ministers. Taking this step aims to unite the efforts of the judicial and executive authorities, the NGO sector and academia to achieve the objectives of the Strategy.

It is envisaged that the Council will coordinate the implementation of the Strategy, will adopt a roadmap for the implementation of strategic objectives, will monitor the implementation of the objectives and discuss documents, activities and initiatives related to the implementation of the measures of the strategy and the roadmaps.

A Council of Ministers Decree regulates the criteria for membership of NGOs. The Council will include one representative from the professional associations of judges, prosecutors and investigators. It is required that these organizations are non-profit organizations, which have worked at least five years in the areas of judicial reform and have submitted an official application to the Minister of Justice. The Council will also include one representative from five NGOs - non-profit organizations registered to operate in the public interest, which have worked at least five years in the field of judicial reform, and have realized over the past five years concrete initiatives in the field.
If the criteria for membership is met by more NGOs, they will participate in the Council meetings on a rotational basis for a period of six months, chosen by a drawing lot by the Ministry of Justice.

In five days of the entry into force of the decree from January 13, 2016, non-governmental organizations may submit an application form to the Minister of Justice. The registration form for participation can be downloaded here.