Kosovo Ombudsman warns high judicial taxes may hinder access to justice

The Ombudsman of Kosovo has issued an opinion expressing concern that recent increases in judicial taxes, established under Administrative Directive No. 03/2025, may create disproportionate financial barriers to accessing justice. The Ombudsman argues that while the Kosovo Judicial Council has the authority to approve tax schemes, these decisions must align with constitutional guarantees and the principle of proportionality to ensure they do not discourage the initiation of legal proceedings.

Lawyer Ardian Bajraktari has supported these concerns, stating that the tax increases are disproportionate and lack sufficient analysis regarding their impact on the socio-economic status of citizens. He noted that because these taxes flow into the Republic of Kosovo's general budget rather than directly into the judicial system's budget, the link between higher fees and improved judicial functioning is weakened. Bajraktari urged the Kosovo Judicial Council to reflect on the Ombudsman's recommendations, noting that institutions have a constitutional obligation to respond to such requests.