EU provides additional support for justice reform in Moldova

The European Union will provide an additional 5 million euros in support of justice reform in Moldova. European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath today made statements to this effect, during a joint conference with the Justice Minister Vladislav Cojuhari.

The European official stressed that this support came in the context of the progress made by Moldova on its path to European integration and aimed to strengthen an efficient and transparent judicial system.





 

“We will continue to support Moldova in strengthening the rule of law. Assistance for justice reform will be extended by another 5 million euros,” the Commissioner said.

In the context, the justice minister highlighted the importance of the support provided by the European Union and its role in consolidating reforms in the system.

“We value the support provided by the European Union for this process, including the extension of financial assistance dedicated to the evaluation of judges and prosecutors. This support contributes to strengthening the integrity of the justice system and enhancing public trust,” the minister said.

According to him, justice reform stays a strategic priority and the external evaluation of magistrates is an essential element in this process.

“I underlined that this process is indispensable for regaining citizens’ trust in the act of justice and for ensuring the reliability of state institutions. At the same time, the external evaluation is carried out in strict compliance with procedural safeguards, fundamental rights and European standards on fairness and transparency,” the justice minister noted.

Another topic addressed during the discussions was the digitalization of the judicial system, considered a key direction of modernization.

“Digitalization is one of the clearest directions for modernizing the judicial system. Our goals are to reduce the duration of trials, simplify procedures, diminish bureaucracy and facilitate citizens’ access to judicial services and legal information,” the minister specified.





The official also said that the authorities were in advanced discussions with European partners on the launch of new projects in this field.

“We are at an advanced stage of discussions on a new project that will enhance our efforts to equip the courts and develop IT systems, including extending the e-Case file system. All these measures are meant to increase the efficiency of the justice system and reduce the duration of cases’ examination,” the minister added.

The European Commissioner also noted that reforms in the field of justice remained essential for the process of accession to the European Union, as they concern fundamental values, such as democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

“These results reflect a strong political commitment and sustained efforts. We are convinced that Moldova belongs to the European family,” the European official stressed.

At the same time, the officials underlined the need to continue reforms, in order to increase citizens’ trust in the judicial system.

The European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection is paying an official visit to Chisinau on March 26-27, this year. On the first day, Michael McGrath met representatives of key institutions in the justice sector and civil society, while today the official had meetings with President Maia Sandu, members of the vetting commissions, as well as representatives of the government and parliament – including Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov.