The closing event of EU-funded project "Further Strengthening of Institutional Capacities of Academy for Training of Judges and Prosecutors" was held in Skopje on Friday.

The project, launched in June 2010, aimed at creating a transparent and advanced institution, which would reflect the expertise and professionalism of Macedonia's judicial system.

Academy director Aneta Arnaudovska stressed the project was implemented in all components, with the objective of introducing a new system in development and implementation of training programmes, enhancement of the decentralized training system, introduction of an e-learning system and e-library, as well as website redesigning.

"The new server is already in place, thus upgrading the Academy's e-system, with all training materials available to judges and public prosecutors at the website. Moreover, lawyers, notary public, executors can receive passwords to use the content", added Arnaudovska.

Justice Minister Blerim Bexheti said 11 projects worth EUR 13 million have been implemented since 2007.

"The establishment of an independent, professional and efficient judicial system is closely related to the professional training and assessment of judges and public prosecutors", emphasized Bexheti.

According to him, the Academy has the crucial role in the field of education, since judges and public prosecutors obtain new knowledge and experiences in this institution.

Team leader Katya Dormisheva voiced satisfaction from the results of the project, which aimed at strengthening the efficiency and independence of the judiciary, providing additional advice towards the establishment of proper communication with all law professionals in the country and further development of the judicial system.