Minister for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, together with Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, addressed a conference marking the successful conclusion of the joint project between the European Union and the Council of Europe entitled, ‘Attorney General and State Advocate in Malta – Implementation of Action Plan of Offices Re-organisation’.
The project focused on strengthening the functioning, operational independence, and institutional capacity of both the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the State Advocate.
In his address, Minister Attard emphasized that the project underscores the Government’s ongoing commitment to reinforcing the justice sector and consolidating the foundations of a democratic state built on the rule of law. “This initiative was not merely an administrative exercise but a concrete step towards greater specialization and professionalism within both offices. We can proudly say that these institutions are delivering tangible results in criminal prosecutions, in legal advisory work, and in the State’s representation,” said Minister Attard.
He recalled that the 2019 separation of the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the State Advocate was a courageous reform that strengthened Malta’s justice system, enhanced specialization, and ensured greater institutional independence.
Supported by DG REFORM of the European Commission and the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe, the project consolidated internal structures, improved processes, and strengthened governance mechanisms within both offices.
Minister Attard also referred to the two collective agreements concluded with legal professionals in these institutions — a key step towards investing in human resources and retaining qualified talent within the public service.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi highlighted the importance of the project as another milestone in Malta’s ongoing reform agenda, supported by the Technical Support Instrument (TSI). He noted that since 2017, Malta has benefited from 79 reform projects with a total investment of around €28 million, addressing areas such as governance, the green transition, digitalisation, and education.
“Reforms are tools to improve people’s lives by turning ambition into action and action into tangible results for citizens,” stressed Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the Ministry for Justice and all stakeholders involved for their commitment to building a more efficient, innovative, and resilient public administration.
During the conference, participants discussed the next phase of the Government’s justice modernization plan, including: The establishment of a specialized commercial court; reforms to the family court and the small claims tribunal; the continued investment in digital transformation and the justice sector infrastructure.
Minister Attard emphasized that this project should be regarded as a foundation for further progress, rather than the conclusion of reform efforts. “This marks the beginning of a new chapter in our institutional history. We remain committed to building on this success and to delivering a modern, transparent, and effective justice system that continues to strengthen democracy and the rule of law in Malta.”
Among the other speakers addressing the conference were Clare Ovey, Director of Human Rights, Council of Europe; Judit Rózsa, Director of the Task Force for Structural Reform, European Commission; Dr Victoria Buttigieg, Attorney General of Malta; Dr. Christopher Soler, State Advocate of Malta; and Johan Galea, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector.
Photo: DOI-MJR/MFI
