A report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) confirms the substantial improvement in the efficiency of Malta’s courts, particularly when considering the reduction in the number of days required to resolve civil and commercial cases. In fact, statistics from the Justice Scoreboard indicate that in 2012 a new case took an average of 685 days to be concluded. By 2024, this figure had fallen to 454 days. This represents an improvement of 231 days, or approximately one third.
Only Slovakia recorded a stronger reduction, with a decrease of 264 days, equivalent to 60%. In contrast, in 15 other EU Member States the time taken to resolve cases increased over the same period. For example, case duration increased by 302 days in Greece, 180 days in Spain, 148 days in Luxembourg, and 162 days in Poland.
Whereas in 2012 the time required to conclude a case in Malta was almost four times longer than in Germany, this gap has now been reduced to less than double. In other words, the disparity has been halved. Today, a case in Malta takes fewer than four times longer than in the EU country with the shortest case duration, whereas in 2012 it took more than nine times as long.
The report highlights several reforms implemented in recent years, including an increase in the number of members of the judiciary, improved salaries and working conditions, the digitalisation of the system, the expansion of judicial facilities and buildings, reforms to the judicial appointment process, and other measures aimed at increasing efficiency.
According to the IMF, the number of members of the judiciary has increased by 40%, with a similar rise in court staff. National expenditure on the judicial system has now reached the third highest level in the European Union, compared to being the twelfth highest in 2013. This confirms the Government’s strong investment in this sector. Furthermore, salaries for members of the judiciary and the prosecution have become among the highest in Europe, particularly for newly appointed magistrates and judges. These now earn five times the average wage, which is more than double that of neighbouring countries. This improvement began in 2018, and the IMF notes that prior to this, judicial salaries in Malta were excessively low.
The IMF also observed major changes in the judicial appointment process. Historically, judicial appointments were subject to political imbalance, whereas the process has now been depoliticised. This has led to an improvement in judicial independence. The IMF report also praises the appointment of the Commissioner for Standards in Justice.
The introduction of a Commercial Court is expected to lead to further efficiency gains, while the introduction of a Family Court will reduce pressure on the Civil Court. According to the IMF, this specialisation will improve both the quality and efficiency of the courts, particularly in commercial cases, as more dedicated resources will be allocated to them.
Another important factor is the digitalisation. The report notes the allocation of €10 million for this purpose. This investment is expected to result in better case management and more efficient use of human resources within the judicial system.
The IMF also remarks that the Ministry for Justice is taking various steps to reduce abuse of the system, speed up procedures, and ensure that justice is delivered more swiftly.
While welcoming the reforms implemented so far by the Government, the IMF stressed the need for further reforms to ensure that the momentum for change continues. The Government has agreed with several of the practical recommendations put forward by the foreign experts and will continue working to strengthen the judicial system so that it remains a pillar supporting the country’s economic and social development.
