Only modest progress in dealing with corruption in Macedonia – this is stated in the latest report of GRECO, i.e. the Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe. Of the 19 recommendations in the Report of the Fourth Evaluation Round, 9 were implemented to a satisfactory extent, 9 partially. One recommendation – to prevent corruption among judges remains unimplemented – is noted in the report. GRECO recommended that in order to strengthen the independence of the judiciary from undue political influence, the ex officio membership of the Minister of Justice in the Judicial Council should be abolished.
“GRECO regrets the continued lack of progress within this recommendation and recalls that the possible political influence by the Minister of Justice, even without the right to vote or formal attendance at the meetings was thoroughly documented in the Evaluation Report”.
