Awareness raising and change management workshop that took place in Zagreb on 6 March 2024 brought together judges, advisors and court staff from Municipal Courts across Croatia to explain the use of a new tool that utilises digital technology to more efficiently publish judicial decisions.

The Ministry of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Croatia (MoJPA) will for the first time use an AI tool to automate the pseudonymisation of judicial decisions before their publication, ensuring a better balance between the need for greater transparency and protection of personal data. Use of AI in pseudonymising judicial decisions accessible through a public and searchable database increases efficiency in achieving greater transparency of the judicial system.

The AI tool was developed by MoJPA following methodological and substantial recommendations produced under the Project “Digital by default: Optimisation of efficiency and quality of judicial services and transparency of judicial decisions”, implemented by the Council of Europe in cooperation with the MoJPA and with the support of the European Commission's Directorate General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM). The Project demonstrates a good example of strengthening the rule of law through technological innovation.