However, Slovenia has been hailed as a positive example in improving efficiency – due to the country’s reduction of backlogs in non-criminal cases.

Slovenia ranks fifth from the bottom in terms of perceived judicial independence in the 2013-2014 period. Slovakia ranks lowest in the EU, followed by Bulgaria, Croatia, Spain and Slovenia. Finland has the most independent judiciary, followed by Denmark and Ireland.

In most member states, perceived judicial independence has improved or remained stable over the past three years, but it has worsened in Bulgaria, Spain and Slovenia, EU Commissioner for Justice Vera Jourova said today as she presented the findings.

One key finding of the report is that “improvement in the efficiency of justice systems in Member States can be observed”. Howevver, the situation also “varies significantly depending on the respective Member State and indicator”. Jourova added that the report aims to promote judicial independence, which could help create an “investment-friendly environment that we need for sustainable growth”.

Slovenia a positive example regarding the reduction of backlogs in non-criminal cases
The Commissioner mentioned Slovenia for a second time in her 8-minute presentation – as a positive example. “Some encouraging signs of improvement in the efficiency of justice systems in Member States can be observed. For example, this is the case for Slovenia regarding the reduction of backlogs in non-criminal cases,” she said.

The Commission urges Slovenia to step up its efforts to fight corruption and further reduce court backlogs, as it still takes too long to get a decision at first instance.

The report has also found that Slovenia has the highest number of judges per 100.000 inhabitants.

K. T.; translated by D. V.