Zupančič: The judiciary should be relieved of the burden of dealing with certain cases, such as succession cases

On July 9, 2026, Minister for Justice Mihael Zupančič met with representatives of key institutions in the field of justice, including the Judicial Council, to discuss major reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the judiciary system in Slovenia. During the meeting, Zupančič outlined several priorities for his term in office, emphasizing the need to reduce the duration of court proceedings and enhance the overall performance of the judicial system. He highlighted the importance of adapting procedural legislation to achieve these goals. According to reports from the Judicial Council, Zupančič stressed that the judiciary must serve as an effective service for citizens. To this end, he pledged to focus on shortening the length of legal processes, primarily through adjustments in procedural law. Additionally, he proposed reducing the burden on the courts by delegating certain cases to other bodies, such as inheritance-related matters. This approach aims to free up judges to handle more complex cases while ensuring that routine procedures are managed efficiently. The minister also addressed the need for strengthening the staffing of courts, suggesting a move towards a cabinet-style system that would allow for better organization and management of judicial resources. Alongside this, there was an emphasis on simplifying and accelerating digitalization processes within the judiciary, aiming to unify and streamline operations across all levels of the court system. Corruption remains another critical issue on Zupančič's agenda. He expressed commitment to combating corruption but noted that legislative solutions must be implemented quickly within constitutionally acceptable limits. The Judicial Council members emphasized the importance of thoroughly considering any changes that affect the functioning of the judicial system, taking into account the staffing capabilities of courts. They also pointed out the necessity of monitoring issues related to judicial salaries, which play a crucial role in attracting qualified candidates and maintaining high standards within the judiciary. A significant topic discussed during the meeting was the implementation of new judicial legislation set to take effect on January 1, 2027. This legislation will lead to the merging of local and district courts. The Judicial Council urged special attention to ensure that this change does not reduce accessibility of the judiciary for citizens. They also called for careful consideration of rules regarding the transfer of judges based on annual schedules. Regarding the anticipated transfer of jurisdiction in inheritance proceedings, the Judicial Council warned about the need for careful deliberation on the speed of changes and the examination of selection jurisdiction following the model used in divorce proceedings. These considerations aim to prevent potential disruptions in the handling of such cases. The meeting included participation from Barbara Levstik Šega, the state secretary at the Ministry of Justice. Her presence underscored the collaborative effort between the ministry and the judiciary to address pressing challenges and implement necessary reforms. As discussions continue, further details on how these proposals will be executed and their impact on the judicial landscape remain under review.