In July, the Center for International Legal Cooperation (CILC), in partnership with the Dutch Council for the Judiciary, organized a study visit for the members of the Judicial Council of North Macedonia. This initiative is part of the MATRA project, “Enhancing the Efficiency, Accountability, and Transparency of the Judicial Council of North Macedonia.”
The study visit, which took place between the 15th and 18th of July 2024 in The Hague aimed to provide to the members of the Judicial Council of North Macedonian with firsthand insight into the operations of the Dutch judiciary and allow them to putting their own working methods and practices in a comparative perspective. The visit also facilitated valuable exchanges of experiences and best practices between the Dutch and North Macedonian judiciary members.
The delegation consisted of 10 members of the Judicial Council of North Macedonia, including Ms. Vesna Dameva, President of the Judicial Council. The delegation was accompanied by Ms. Aleksandra Krzalovska, a local national expert, and two interpreters. The comprehensive program featured visits to several key institutions, including the Council for the Judiciary, the Hague Court of Appeal, the Council of State and the Ministry of Justice and Security.
At the Council for the Judiciary, delegates were welcomed by Chairman of the Council of the Judiciary, Mr. Henk Naves and they received an overview of the Council’s mandate, its strategy for communicating with the public and their code of conduct. Ms. Marieke Koek, President of the Hague Court of Appeal hosted discussions on judge evaluations, the code of conduct, and the preparation and communication of the Annual Plan. Participants also explored the advisory and administrative roles of the Council of State and its relationship with other judicial bodies. Sessions at the Ministry of Justice and Security covered the Ministry’s role in the justice sector, human resource strategies, and collaboration with the judiciary.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency, accountability, and transparency of the Judicial Council of North Macedonia, reinforcing the strong judicial ties between North Macedonia and the Netherlands.
