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
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.
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.
