As an international example of a successful reform was presented as an international example of success at a special
“Judicial Charter was presented as an international example of successful reform at a special event.
“The Reform of the Greek Judicial Charter as a Model of International Best Practice — The contribution of the World Bank,” was the topic of the event at the Ministry of Justice, with the participation of Minister Giorgos Floridis, the Minister of State Akis Skertsos, the Deputy Minister of Justice Ioannis Bougas, officials from the World Bank, as well as representatives of the judicial and legal authorities.
Minister of Justice George Floridis stated in his opening remarks:
“The Ministry has collaborated exceptionally well with the World Bank, which possesses significant expertise regarding major reforms in the justice systems of many countries. This knowledge was transferred through a cooperation program and following a systematic effort we made involving all stakeholders in the justice system—judges, lawyers, court officials, and, at the same time, to all local communities.
Specifically, through an extensive, months-long consultation process, we arrived at a common national plan in which all stakeholders in the country had a say in the major reform of the justice system, which was named the Judicial Charter.
The results, roughly a year and a half later, are extremely significant—so much so that even we did not anticipate them. If there is one political conclusion to be drawn from this case, it is that when a well-designed plan—one that takes national characteristics into account and successfully incorporates international experience, as was done here with the World Bank, then these changes succeed.
Now that the foundations of the reform have been laid, we must focus from this point forward on continuously monitoring and improving its results, on ensuring a balance between the two levels of judicial jurisdiction, and on making full use of all the technological tools now available to the justice sector to complete our work.
In two to three years from now, the situation in the justice sector in Greece will bear no resemblance to what we have even today, but also in terms of speed, quality, and service to citizens.”
Minister of State Akis Skertsos noted in his remarks: “George Floridis had specifically mentioned in the Cabinet the stagnation in the Greek justice system, as for decades nothing had moved forward in the judiciary because there was no plan to implement changes.
This changed with the Judicial Charter plan. This reform, which is extremely important—perhaps one of the most significant implemented by this government—I believe is built on very solid ground, on very strong foundations. The success of this reform lies precisely in this methodology: we studied the data, we now have indicators, and we can now demonstrate why the previous system did not work and why the new system of consolidating the first-instance courts delivers faster and higher-quality justice. It was precisely at this crucial juncture that the World Bank’s contribution and cooperation played a valuable and decisive role.
Furthermore, we achieved this very important reform because we have gained a comparative advantage as a country: that of political stability. Greece, once a black sheep not only in the field of justice but in many areas of public life, and public policy, is emerging as a model internationally, and we now have reputable organizations to certify this.”
Deputy Minister of Justice Ioannis Bougas stated: “If there is one conclusion to be drawn from this experience that is worth sharing with an international audience as best practice, it is not a ready-made model to be ‘copied,’ or adapted to another legal system. Justice systems have unique characteristics and differ too greatly for that to be possible. It is rather a method: to assess with honesty and precision, based on data rather than preconceived stereotypes; to preserve the distinct national identity of the design, while at the same time drawing on relevant experience and international expertise to assess feasibility, correct any shortcomings along the way, and ensure that the legislative initiative is implementable.
In my view, there are three major policy interventions by the government that will shape the economic and social framework for the coming years: The early repayment of loans by the Greek government. The reinstatement of collective bargaining agreements and reforms to the judiciary. These are the fundamental pillars for dynamic and sustainable growth, as they guarantee stability and prosperity, social cohesion and labor peace, legal certainty through the swift resolution of disputes and uncertainties. These are essential elements of a modern state governed by the rule of law.”
On behalf of the World Bank, Anna Akhalkatsi, Director of the European Union Department, delivered a welcome address, emphasizing: “We are already drawing on what has been achieved in Greece. In other words, your experience has become a source of practical knowledge for other countries seeking to modernize their justice systems. It has become an example of what a well-founded commitment can achieve.
This is worth sharing with others, and today’s event is precisely designed to ensure that these lessons are disseminated more widely. We will also continue to share the Greek experience with other countries around the world through a joint learning event for World Bank staff working globally.”
Annely Madeleen Koudstaal, Program Manager for Southern Europe, stated: “The reform of the Greek Judicial Charter touches on deeply rooted professional identities, legal traditions, and even territorial sensitivities. When we began, the question was whether this was even feasible. But now, based on the data at our disposal, we know that it was indeed feasible.
The figures for the Athens Court of First Instance, which has not only cleared its backlog of incoming cases, but has also reduced the backlog of pending cases, exceed even the expectations we had when we began four years ago. All of this is not only related to the judicial system, but also with the economy, because when a business dispute that had been dragging on for four years is now resolved in just 1.5 years, this also improves investment decisions. In other words, it affects whether someone can make investments in Greece or apply for credit in Greece. It also allows the private sector to flourish and is a prerequisite for creating growth and jobs.
We have already gained insights from Greece that we can share with other countries in the region, because Greece is a pioneer on this path. We hope to continue this knowledge-sharing partnership with Greece and to continue disseminating the lessons we have learned from Greece around the world.”
Fabian Seiderer, Practice Manager in the Governance Practice for Europe and Central Asia, emphasized, among other things, that for this significant reform, “we analyzed data from 400 courts, and assessed the caseload. It’s a method that can be replicated in other countries. The results speak for themselves.”
