ZAGREB, 7 June (Hina) – The number of unsolved court cases has decreased by 11%, with the current number between 450,000 and 460,000, Justice Minister Damir Habijan said on Friday, adding that there will be no issues regarding the election of new Constitutional Court judges because the procedure is clear.

The report on the state of the judiciary by the president of the Supreme Court for 2022, which parliament will discuss next week, shows an 11% reduction in unsolved cases compared to 2021, which is a positive indicator, said the minister.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenging conditions for the courts, a significant increase in cases was expected, but it did not occur, he said, adding that the duration of proceedings is also decreasing.

Habijan also commented on his recent meeting with the new State Attorney General Ivan Turudić, saying they discussed a wide range of topics. Turudić expressed the need for new personnel, Habijan said, adding that he will continue the practice of approving the hiring of new people in the judiciary.

As for the expiration of the terms of ten Constitutional Court judges, Habijan said the procedure was very clear. “We have time, everything will be resolved, and the Constitutional Court is functioning. It’s important to note that the Constitutional Court is not a court in the true sense of the word – it is the fourth branch of government and not a judicial body in the sense of courts, which is sometimes confused.”

“Justice and Home Affairs” programme financed through the Norwegian Financial Mechanism

Speaking about the completion of the “Justice and Home Affairs” programme, he said it had contributed to improving the judicial infrastructure, digitalisation, and strengthening human resources.

The value of the programme was €17.10 million, of which 85% was financed through the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, and 15% through national co-financing.

Norwegian Deputy Ambassador Helge Klouman Marstrander underlined the importance of the availability and efficiency of courts and judgments, saying theyВ require effective facilities and the right knowledge and skills.

I am proud that the Norwegian grant programme in Croatia has contributed to both,В he added.