Negative perception on Italy judiciary

(ANSA) - Brussels, April 11 - Italy is perceived as the third worst EU country - after Bulgaria and Slovakia - in terms of justice system independence and ranked next to last - behind Malta - as to length of civil trials, the European Commission said Monday. However the Commission recognized "signs of improvement" in Italy given the government's reforms. "I very much appreciate the efforts of the current government," said EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova. "I am aware the persistence of (this) negative perception...has been inherited from times and governments past".