Events

Thursday, 24 October, 2024

The Ministry of Justice Launches New "Smart Contract" Service for Citizens

The National Agency of Public Registry, under the Ministry of Justice, has introduced a cutting-edge service: the Smart Contract system.

This system redefines traditional transaction processes, allowing payment and property registration to happen simultaneously. Buyers and sellers can now finalize sales agreements remotely by signing them digitally through any internet-connected device. Additionally, the Smart Contract enables users to register a mortgage using the same method.

This innovative solution holds particular significance for Georgian expatriates, as it allows them to purchase real estate in Georgia directly—without requiring intermediaries or powers of attorney.

Citizens interested in using this service can schedule a virtual meeting with an agency representative via the official website at www.napr.gov.ge.

Justice Minister Rati Bregadze recently introduced the Smart Contract system to members of the executive branch, the National Bank president, and financial sector representatives. During the event, David Devidze, Chairperson of the National Agency of Public Registry, presented a comprehensive demonstration of the new system.

Prominent attendees included Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili, Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, National Bank President Natia Turnava, Parliament members, the Public Defender, the Business Association president, and representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the National Agency of Public Registry, and other distinguished guests. Key stakeholders in the Smart Contract initiative, such as commercial banks, real estate developers, and World Bank members, were also present.

According to survey by Ipsos France, 61% of Georgia's population has positively assessed the independence of its courts

Commissioned by Georgia's Ministry of Justice, the survey was conducted by the consortium Ipsos France in collaboration with Professor Jan van Dijk. The study involved two components: a survey of the general population and a separate study targeting legal professionals. Between July 14 and August 9, 2024, 2,000 citizens across Georgia were interviewed in person.

The results revealed that 61% of respondents considered the justice system's independence as either "very good" or "mostly good." This represents a 10% increase since 2018 and surpasses the European Union average of 53%, as indicated by the 2023 Eurobarometer survey.

In addition to the public survey, interviews with legal professionals—such as judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and members of the High Council of Justice— positively assessed the reforms implemented in recent years.

About the consortium: Ipsos, the world’s third-largest market research firm, was founded in 1975 in Paris, France, and operates in 90 countries globally.

Professor Jan van Dijk, Professor Emeritus at Tilburg University, served as the Director of the Department of Strategic Planning at the Ministry of Justice in the Netherlands for four years. He also established a victim support center in the Netherlands and has been a visiting professor at the University of Oxford. A globally recognized expert in criminal law, Professor van Dijk has published over 200 academic papers and was awarded the Stockholm Prize in Criminology in 2012.

The detailed findings of the research are presented in the attached reports:

1. Results of Assessments in 2018 and 2024 by Judges, Prosecutors, Attorneys, Members of High Council of Justice of Georgia, Court Users and the Public (Prof Jan van Dijk) [in Georgian]

2.Results of Assessments in 2018 and 2024 by Judges, Prosecutors, Attorneys, Members of High Council of Justice of Georgia, Court Users and the Public (Prof Jan van Dijk) [in English]

3.Public Perception of the Judicial System in Georgia; Georgian Population Survey [in Georgian]

4.Public Perception of the Judicial System in Georgia; Georgian Population Survey [in English]

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