EU Ambassador: EU remains firmly committed to supporting justice reform in Moldova

Justice reform and fight against corruption are key elements of the Republic of Moldova’s European integration process, and the country’s progress toward joining the European Union depends on the results achieved in these areas. EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova Iwona Piórko made the statement at the eighth edition of the Justice Reform and Combating Corruption Forum, held in Chisinau.

The European diplomat underscored the importance of the forum as a platform for dialogue between state institutions, civil society and development partners, at an important moment for justice reform and the Republic of Moldova’s European path.


“Certainly, this forum is a very important platform for institutions, civil society and partners to engage in an open and constructive discussion on this highly important subject. And, indeed, it is taking place at an extremely important moment for the reform of Moldova’s justice system and for its European path,” Iwona Piórko declared.


The ambassador noted that the Republic of Moldova has entered a new stage of the European integration process through the official opening of negotiations with the European Union on Cluster 1 – Fundamentals and Cluster 6 – External Relations.


“Our message is very clear and very consistent: a state governed by the rule of law and a strong and accountable justice sector, capable of fighting corruption are key elements of the Republic of Moldova’s European integration process. The justice sector plays a key role in the Fundamentals cluster. To put it in very simple terms, the Republic of Moldova’s progress toward joining the European Union depends on the results delivered in justice reform and the fight against corruption,” the European official said.


According to the ambassador, justice and anti-corruption reforms should not be viewed exclusively through the lens of the goal of joining the EU, as they also respond to the expectations of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, who want a justice system they can trust.


“These reforms are not being implemented simply because Moldova wants to join the European Union. More importantly, Moldova’s citizens have long wanted a justice system they can trust and that is not affected by corruption. So, we are carrying out these reforms for the benefit and in the interests of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova,” Iwona Piórko said.


The ambassador mentioned that the Republic of Moldova has made progress in transforming its justice system, including by strengthening governance in the sector and the prosecution service, improving the mechanisms for selecting and evaluating judges and prosecutors, and strengthening institutions responsible for preventing and combating corruption.


“Moldova has invested considerable time and effort in this reform, and it is extremely important that the reform be completed in a consistent, credible and timely manner, because otherwise confidence in this process will be affected. It is important to establish a justice system that is independent and enjoys the trust of citizens,” she emphasized.


At the same time, Iwona Piórko drew attention to the pressure on the justice system by the transformation process and the shortage of judges. According to her, the insufficient number of judges affects the functioning of courts at all levels, while those working in the system face heavy workloads.


“The shortage of judges affects the functioning of courts at all levels, while those within the system face heavy workloads. The capacity shortage must be addressed, and the new justice sector strategy is important in this regard,” the EU ambassador declared.


She also thanked the people working in the justice system and contributing to its transformation.


“I want to thank and congratulate all those who work so hard and make such great efforts to ensure that the justice system is clean, transparent and professional. This requires many personal and professional sacrifices, as well as great courage on your part, and I salute that courage,” Iwona Piórko said.


Referring to the fight against corruption and money laundering, the ambassador said that progress had been made, including through an increase in the number of investigations, prosecutions and court rulings, as well as an increase in the value of confiscated assets.


“Good progress has been made in the fight against corruption and money laundering. The number of investigations, prosecutions and court rulings has increased, and the value of confiscated assets has also risen in recent years. This matters because success ultimately means recovering assets obtained through criminal activity,” the European diplomat said.


In her view, the results of the reform should be assessed first and foremost through citizens’ actual experiences when they interact with the justice system.


“The success of these reforms will be measured by citizens’ experience with justice: whether their rights are effectively protected, whether everyone is equal before the law, and whether justice is delivered independently, impartially and within a reasonable period of time,” Iwona Piórko said.


The ambassador also listed a series of questions that, in her view, will be relevant for the next stages of the reform: whether the courts are able to deliver justice, whether vacant positions in the system are filled by people of integrity, whether corruption cases are investigated and prosecuted effectively, and whether assets obtained through criminal activity are identified and confiscated.


“These are the questions that will define the next stages of the Republic of Moldova’s reform process, and the European Union remains firmly committed to continuing to support the Republic of Moldova and helping it turn these questions into strong institutions,” the official declared.


In this context, Iwona Piórko reiterated the European Union’s readiness to provide the Republic of Moldova with expertise and support, noting that European financial assistance has contributed to strengthening the independence of the judicial system, modernizing court administration and equipping courts with the necessary tools.

The EU ambassador also spoke about the role of civil society and the independent press in the process of reforming the justice system.


“Civil society has an extremely important role in ensuring the quality and sustainability of this reform; it provides independent expertise, monitors the implementation process and identifies gaps. Sometimes it helps support reforms, while in other situations it questions how the reform is being carried out. Both are important,” she said.


Iwona Piórko said that the European Union would continue to support civil society and the independent media, and encouraged forum participants to engage in open and honest discussions.


“The early identification of weaknesses and the identification of appropriate solutions are signs of a mature reform process. I am confident that you are on the right path toward a healthy, transparent and efficient justice system,” the ambassador said.


Finally, Iwona Piórko reiterated the European Union’s support for the Republic of Moldova in the process of reforming the justice system and strengthening the rule of law.


“I want to thank the organizers and all participants once again for your commitment to contributing to the strengthening of the justice system, the fight against corruption and the consolidation of the rule of law. I hope you have productive discussions, and I assure you that you can count on the European Union at every stage of your journey toward our common goal – joining the European Union, for which justice reform is a very important part,” the EU ambassador concluded.