Framework for cooperation
Cooperation is based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 23 April 2025 in Warsaw, establishing the framework for the new funding period and for bilateral cooperation between Norway and Poland.
The MoU aims to reduce social and economic disparities and to strengthen cooperation between the donor states and Poland.
Further implementation in the justice sector is regulated through the Programme Agreement for the Justice Programme, signed on 20 April 2026.
Programme operator: Ministry of Justice (Poland)
Donor Programme Partners:
Norwegian Courts Administration (NCA)
Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security
Directorate of the Norwegian Correctional Service
International Partner Organisation: Council of Europe
Role of the Norwegian Courts Administration
The Programme Agreement defines that “The Norwegian Courts Administration (NCA) shall act as the Donor Programme Partner (DPP) for the programme area Access to Justice (PA11).”
In this role, the NCA:
- contributes to programme development and implementation
- participates in cooperation structures (e.g. Cooperation Committee)
- acts as partner in predefined projects within the access to justice area
Access to justice
Within the Justice Programme, the NCA acts as Donor Programme Partner (DPP) for the Access to justice objective.
The objective of the Programme is “Increased access to an independent, accountable, and efficient justice system of high quality in line with international and European human rights standards.” This objective is implemented through 3 predefined projects (PDPs) and 4 calls for proposals.
Predefined Projects – NCA acting as Donor Project Partner
PDP “Ensuring equal access to justice through the development of free legal aid and mediation services”
Objective: to strengthen free legal aid and to expand mediation
Main elements:
- development of an integrated digital platform serving as a central access point to legal information, educational content and structured guidance through legal procedures
- establishment of a Communication Centre integrated within the platform, including a dedicated hotline and remote legal consultations
- promotion and implementation of mediation, both at the pre‑trial stage and during court proceedings
- training for free legal aid providers to ensure high quality of services
- information and awareness‑raising campaign on legal aid and mediation.
PDP “Competent Staff – Efficient Justice System”
Objective: to improve professional capacity and management of court staff
Main elements:
- development of consistent competence profiles, career pathways, job classification and remuneration frameworks across the judiciary
- introduction of structured onboarding programmes and a comprehensive, competence‑based training system, including a “train‑the‑trainers” approach
- strengthening managerial and administrative capacity of court staff
- implementation of integrated digital HR tools supporting human resources management, including learning management systems and tools for competence assessment and performance evaluation
- development of coherent, transparent and scalable HR processes to support professionalisation, equality and continuous learning in the judiciary
PDP “Courts closer to people”
Objective: to strengthen the relationship between courts and society and to enhance the role of lay judges
Main elements:
- strengthening the role of lay judges, including development of competence profiles, training programmes and ethical guidelines
- development and implementation of court–citizen communication and reporting policies
- training and educational activities for judges, court staff and the public
- public awareness campaigns on the role of citizens (including lay judges) in the justice system
- initiatives to improve transparency, accessibility and user experience in court–citizen interaction
Calls for proposals
Four calls are planned under this programme area:
Call 2 supports: research and analytical projects aimed at diagnosing the state of the justice system and developing standards and recommendations for policymakers, particularly in the areas of judicial independence, accountability and access to justice.
Call 3 supports: activities aimed at strengthening the resilience of the judiciary through improvements in management practices, including organisational and interpersonal aspects of court functioning, as well as initiatives supporting the fostering and maintenance of judicial independence.
Call 4 supports: activities aimed at building trust and fostering cooperation between institutions and stakeholders, including collaboration between courts, legal professionals and other actors within the justice system.
Call 5 supports: education and awareness-raising activities related to the justice system and judicial independence, including increasing public understanding of its functioning and key principles.
Other links:
FMO – MoU announcement:
Justice Programme Agreement (news)