As part of the EU4Justice project, funded by the European Union, and in cooperation with the Centers for the Education of Judges and Prosecutors of the Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska, workshops were held on filling in the new form for declaring assets and interests for about 350 judicial office holders from the wider area of Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka and Tuzla from September 9 to 12, 2024.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s judges and prosecutors that hold a certificate as educators in the field of ethics and judicial integrity, together with international expert Otillia Pacurari, discussed with those present the amendment of the Law on the HJPC and related bylaws. The expected issues related to the new form, which becomes available for the first time in an electronic version as of this year, were discussed, and the appropriate clarifications were given, following a presentation. The topic was of great interest for the participants, who had the opportunity to express very frankly their understanding of the form as well as to ask for clarity regarding some topics, such as household members and their assets.
Establishing an improved mechanism for reporting on assets and interests will contribute to preventing corruption in the judiciary, strengthening responsibility and integrity, but also strengthening citizens’ trust in the work of judicial institutions. Furthermore, with the new form for declaring assets and interests, the contribution to the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary at the level of the whole of BiH and harmonizing it with the standards of the rule of law in the EU will be given.
