Paul Vandoran (Ambassador, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Croatia) and David Slinn CMG (British Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia) both emphasised the importance of judicial efficiency and recognised the support provided by both the UK and the EU as part of the Chapter 23 reform work. Projects such as the one led by Agencia had played an important role and the Croatian Ministry of Justice was urged to build on the hard work to date and to deliver the reforms agreed in the action plan in a timely manner.
Branko Hrvatin (President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia) addressed some of the challenges facing the courts and focused on the need for effective management, promoting the introduction of the new Director of Administration posts that had been developed by the Agencia team and colleagues from the Croatian courts and ministry. The new role would provide a platform for greater efficiency and better results. Mr Hrvatin praised the Agencia consultants as being the best of those who had delivered project work.
The Agencia team were also specifically referred to by Ivan Crnčec (Assistant Minister, Ministry of Justice for the Republic of Croatia) as he spoke of the Minister’s support for the new role, the success of the pilot scheme and the plans in place to fully implement the proposals as part of a new management structure for the courts. Progress made during the past three years had been excellent and, working alongside Croatian colleagues, the UK experts from Agencia had made a considerable contribution.
In concluding the keynote speeches, Steve Jacobs thanked the succession of Ambassadors and Embassy staff whilst paying tribute to the kindness and hospitality of Croatian colleagues in the Municipal Courts, the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court and the Judicial Academy – all of whom were represented at the event.
Steve praised his Agencia team colleagues and also acknowledged the crucial support played throughout all of the projects by the excellent interpreters, led by Renee Davies. He closed the event by referring to the clear evidence of strengthening democracy and sound government practice in Croatia during the eight-and-a-half years he had worked in the region, much of which had been demonstrated throughout this project.
The formal event was followed by a buffet lunch, attended by the guest speakers and members of the invited audience.
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