MEP urges timely justice for EU citizens

MEP Therese Comodini Cachia has spoken about the importance of timely justice rather than just access to it.

Speaking during a plenary debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg discussing a reform of the European Court of Justice, which includes an increase in the number of judges, she said that the justice system that European citizens deserve is one that does not delay justice.

“It should be a system that addresses their legal difficulty in the shortest possible time through learned judges equipped with sufficient resources. This is what I expect of the European system as well as of national justice systems,” she said.

“What use is it to give European citizens the right to access justice but then they would have to wait for years for a decision to be taken by that court?” she questioned.

Comodini Cachia added that following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the enlargement of the EU, the court of justice has seen a considerable increase in cases resulting in delays.

“A proposal has thus been put forward to increase the number of judges to two per member state as well as to reform the court set-up in an attempt to reduce both the duration of proceedings and backlog of pending cases,” she said.

"We must constantly invest in the judicial system because European citizens deserve the best system, one which is efficient and effective. The money we spend on reinforcing the justice system is spent to serve citizens.”

She added that the EU couldn’t turn a blind eye to persons who have presented a claim before the court and have been waiting for a number of years to obtain a conclusion.

“Providing them with compensation for delayed justice is not the solution.  The solution is providing persons with timely justice,” she added.

Comodini Cachia argued that the court had to be vigilant and accountable on how it was utilising such investment and that it had to ensure that justice was carried out efficiently.

“For this purpose, the court was being asked to audit its administration and use of the resources being provided to it so that it remains accountable to parliament.”

Comodini Cachia, said that the EU should lead by example and send the right message to Member States when it comes to an efficient justice system.

She added that gender equality was also given due importance in the proposal and governments of member states have been urged to ensure an equal presence of women and men when appointing candidates as judges.

“Individuals, companies or organisations may seek a decision from the Court of Justice on the interpretation and application of EU law and the Court also settles legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions.”