Nicosia: The Attorney General, George L. Savvides, emphasized the essential need for training on digital justice tools during his address at the 'European Judicial Training: Creating a Supportive Environment for Digital Justice@2030' event. This event was organized in Nicosia by the European Commission under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, in collaboration with the Cyprus Judicial Training School.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Savvides remarked on the increasing prominence of digitalization in policies and governance, noting its natural progression into the justice sector. He stated, "Justice, by definition, is a pillar of society - a society that has started to develop parallelly in a physical and a digital world." Savvides highlighted the political importance of understanding and utilizing digital procedures at both national and European levels.
Savvides further referenced the European Judicial Training Strategy, which emphasizes the necessity of digital literacy and comprehension of substantive law applicable to the digital economy and society for professionals in the justice sector. He noted an uptick in cases related to digital activities observed by the Law Office of the Republic, underscoring the importance of training staff in substantive law, particularly concerning technology-related criminal acts.
The Attorney General described the use of digital tools in legal procedures, such as teleconferencing for witness statements, as beneficial for enhancing the quality and speed of justice. He acknowledged the multifaceted legislative framework at the European Union level, which governs various aspects of digital life, including key regulations like the Digital Markets and Digital Services Acts, the Data Act, and the Terrorist Content Online Regulation.
Savvides highlighted Regulation 2023/2844, known as the 'Data Act', as a significant reform in communication within the justice field, facilitating judicial cooperation and access to justice across borders through a decentralised IT system and the European Electronic Access Point. He stressed the importance of adequate training and sharing of best practices among EU Member States to ensure the effective use of these digital tools.
Emphasizing lifelong learning, Savvides stated that the Law Office places great importance on continued training to meet the evolving demands of justice administration. The Academy of the Law Office of the Republic regularly organizes training activities focused on the digitalization of justice, aligning with the Commission's priorities.
In conclusion, Savvides remarked on the need for the justice system to modernize and adapt to the rapid pace of digital development, emphasizing the importance of protecting citizens' rights and public interest through modernized procedures and tools in this new digital legal landscape.