EBRD assessment on readiness for online courts
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What is this assessment about?
This Assessment evaluates the degree to which 17 EBRD economies are ready to introduce, or have already developed, online courts for commercial disputes. Online courts hold a great promise due to their potential to build on the rapid development of information and communication technology with a view to providing easier and less costly access to justice, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
What areas does the assessment cover?
The readiness to introduce online courts was assessed by examining whether key preconditions, such as technical infrastructure and legislative framework, for the introduction of an online court initiative are in place.
Where was the assessment conducted?
Central Europe and Baltic States: Estonia and Poland
Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia and Uzbekistan
Eastern Europe and the Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine
South-eastern Europe: Albania, Bulgaria and Serbia
Southern and Eastern Mediterranean: Morocco and Tunisia
Turkiye
What has the assessment revealed?
Data Visualisation
Dimension 1. Overall countries have good infrastructure, internet connectivity, and e-justice policies. However, many lack user-friendly guidance and user surveys. Champions: Estonia and Poland.
Dimension 2. Countries have relatively well developed procedure and specialised capacity for commercial dispute resolution. However, such procedures lack efficiency and effectiveness. Champions: Serbia and Bulgaria.
Dimension 3. There is awareness of uncontested claims procedure, but little simplification, and continuity once the claim is contested. Champions: Estonia, Poland and Turkiye.
Dimension 4. Small claims procedures are the least developed and underutilised in most countries, so introducing digital tools could enhance their efficiency. Champions: Georgia, Kazakhstan and Poland.
