Minister for Justice Jonathan Attard attended the Justice Council meeting in Brussels. The meeting focused on various topics including Access to Justice and the role of civic space in protecting and promoting fundamental rights in the EU.
The discussion on Access to Justice provided an opportunity for Member States to discuss initiatives being taken to address a common challenge amongst several Member States, relating to efficiency of judicial proceedings and justice within a reasonable time.
During this discussion, Minister Jonathan Attard reiterated the extensive work being carried out in Malta in this area to ensure that Justice is served and done within a reasonable time.
Minister Attard emphasised that “Malta today has the largest number of judiciary in its history, an unprecedented investment is being made in the infrastructure, including the digital infrastructure, human resources and their working conditions. Legislative reforms aimed at further modernising laws and increasing efficiency continue to be implemented.”
In this regard the Minister mentioned how a public consultation on the Committal proceedings process will be launched in the coming weeks and subsequently the bill with the legal amendments will be put forward to the Maltese Parliament.
On the subject of the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights and the civic space, Minister Jonathan Attard explained how Malta has already put forward a number of bills that strengthen and protect the right to freedom of expression. He emphasized that “In Malta the anti-SLAPP bill is in the First Reading and at European level we are appealing against the watering down of the anti-SLAPP directive”.
The EU Justice Ministers also discussed the fight against impunity regarding crimes committed in connection with Russia’s aggression, asset recovery and confiscation and combating racism.
