Among the most notable changes is the introduction of remote court hearings, enabling proceedings to be conducted through secure real-time audiovisual communication where necessary to avoid delays.
The reform also lays the foundation for broader judicial digitalisation through:
- Electronic court settlements signed with qualified electronic signatures;
- Electronic service of court documents via qualified registered delivery services;
- Direct electronic service between parties.
Beyond digitalisation, the new Law introduces several important procedural innovations, including:
- Representative actions for the protection of collective and consumer rights;
- The court’s authority to order expert evidence on its own initiative where specialised knowledge is required;
- A new mechanism allowing the Supreme Court to permit revision of certain second-instance judgments in cases raising important legal questions.
Recognising the scale of these reforms, the Law provides for a phased implementation:
Most provisions will apply from 16 January 2027, while the digitalisation provisions will take effect one year later, allowing courts, practitioners and parties time to adapt.
The reform represents a major milestone in strengthening the efficiency, accessibility and modernisation of civil litigation in North Macedonia. Its practical impact will become clear as the new procedural framework begins to take effect.
Our latest article by Sara Ivanovska, Associate in JPM Skopje office, explores the key changes and what they mean for businesses, legal practitioners and court users.
