Lawmakers from Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, Albania to discuss rule of law and cross-border crime

The legal committees of the parliaments of the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Ukraine and Albania will meet for the third joint working session. The event, organized by the Senate of Romania, will take place from January 22–25 in Moisei, Maramureș County. This year’s edition will also be attended by representatives of the parliaments of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Georgia as observers and dialogue partners.

According to the parliament’s communication and public relations department, the event agenda consists of three discussion panels. Participants will address European integration and the rule of law, focusing on progress and challenges in aligning with the European Union acquis. In this context, the discussions will cover judicial independence, constitutional and legislative reforms, combating corruption, the functioning of democratic institutions and the protection of fundamental human rights.

Another discussion panel will analyze human trafficking and cross-border organized crime. Participants in the joint session will formulate legislative recommendations on new forms of exploitation, preventing the recruitment of minors, interinstitutional and judicial cooperation, as well as other relevant aspects.

Special attention will be devoted to the issue of domestic violence and the protection of victims. Discussions will focus on harmonizing legislation with European standards, developing prevention mechanisms, protecting vulnerable groups, and cooperation between the justice system, police and social services.

The Moldovan delegation will be headed by Veronica Roșca, Chair of the legal committee on rules and immunities. The delegation will also include MPs Igor Chiriac, Vice Chair of the Committee, Igor Talmazan, Secretary of the Committee, as well as members Vladimir Rusu and Artemie Cătănoi. MP Marcela Adam, Secretary of the Committee for Culture, Education, Research, Youth, Sports and Mass Media, will also take part in the event.

The joint meeting of the legal committees was organized for the first time in 2024 at the initiative of the Senate of Romania, initially bringing together MPs from the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Senate of Romania.