Today's event - a celebration of Justice and Democracy highlights the importance and significance of the establishment and operation of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
It is my pleasure and honour to welcome this event, which celebrates 70 years of operation of this important institution.
At the same time, however, it is another reminder that in the difficult period we are going through in the world, our country does not stand alone. On the contrary, we are part of a great vision that has become a reality, a united Europe with common universal principles and values.
These values are based on the prevalence of the rule of law, which, among other things, is based on the independence, quality and effectiveness of national justice systems.
That is why the Court of Justice of the European Union is not only the interpreter of European rules. It is the guardian of these common European principles and values.
Through its judgments, it develops and shapes European law, fills any gaps and contributes to its uniform application by the Member States, using these European values as a beacon.
The multiculturalism resulting from the participation of judges from all the Member States contributes to the circulation of ideas and judicial thought, so that, through collective wisdom, important decisions leading to the consolidation and prevalence of the rule of law are shaped.
Allow me to address a special greeting to our compatriots who represent Cyprus on an equal footing at the European Court of Justice, making a worthy contribution to the Judiciary, and on behalf of the Government to thank them in particular.
I will not attempt to elaborate on the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union before personalities who know it better than anyone else.
Allow me, however, to make the following observation. The Court of Justice of the European Union has not been and is not part of a static judicial system.
Over these 70 years, the judicial system of the European Union has evolved, reformed and continues to modernise. It thus manages to meet the demands of modern reality and the increasingly enhanced role that the European Union is called upon to play in European affairs.
Of decisive importance in this direction are its judgments, which are milestones in the Court's history, requiring the whole of Europe to proceed with the revision of national legislation.
A typical example are the judgments establishing the principle of the primacy of the European acquis over national rules. Indeed, in the Cypriot legal order this principle was given constitutional status by the 5th Amendment to the Constitution.
And not only that. But also in so many other decisions that have been huge steps towards strengthening the European rule of law.
In this same context, allow me to make a parenthesis. The Republic of Cyprus, which counts almost the same years of life as the Court of Justice of the European Union, albeit with several years of delay, has decided and is collectively proceeding with the holistic reform of our judicial system.
Recently, the adoption of important bills was completed with an overwhelming majority, providing the legal basis to complete an ambitious project started in 2017, which was stalled for several years due to the non-passage of the bills. At the same time, numerous projects and actions have either been completed in the meantime, or are in progress and are being completed within the timelines set.
Despite the positive indicators enjoyed by the judiciary in Cyprus in terms of the independence of our judges and the quality of their decisions, the long time taken to hear cases seriously damaged the credibility of the institution in the perception of citizens and brought our country to the last place in Europe.
Despite the positive indicators enjoyed by the judiciary in Cyprus in terms of the independence of our judges and the quality of their decisions, the long time taken to hear cases seriously damaged the credibility of the institution in the perception of citizens and brought our country to the last place in Europe. This element demonstrated in the most resounding way the need for the immediate completion of the holistic reform of the judiciary.
And here I must express my thanks both to the President of the Supreme Court, Mr. Antonis Liatsos and to the former President Mrs. Persephone Panagi, as well as to all the members of the Supreme Court, whose contribution has been a catalyst for this great step.
At the same time, I note that we are now facing a greater challenge, which is their effective implementation. This requires major decisions and administrative cuts within our courts to bring about the results desired by all.
As the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, I take this opportunity to declare the Government's commitment to contribute to the enormous task that the High Court is called upon to play and which I am pleased to note is proceeding with the same steadfast determination.
Today's event is another opportunity to strengthen the dialogue between the Cyprus Courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union.
It is an opportunity for a productive exchange of views on topical legal issues and contemporary challenges, as is evident from the themes of the speeches.
I would therefore like to thank in advance the distinguished speakers who will follow. I am sure that, in the time allotted to them, they will share with us their knowledge and experience on important issues stemming from European affairs and the rule of law.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Supreme Court for the excellent initiative of organising today's event.
Thank you and I wish you every success in today's event.
(ΕΠ/ΣΧ)
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