Clearer procedures for resolving civil, commercial disputes involving Moldova, State of Israel

The procedure for resolving civil and commercial disputes involving Moldova and the State of Israel will become clearer and more efficient, due to a new legal cooperation mechanism between the two countries. The government today approved the draft decision for ratifying the Agreement on legal cooperation in civil and commercial matters between the two states.

The Agreement establishes a direct collaboration mechanism between authorities for getting evidence, transmitting judicial and extrajudicial documents, as well as for the recognition and enforcement of civil and commercial courts’ rulings issued in Moldova or Israel.

“The Justice Ministry continues to extend collaboration with other states, so that courts can work more simply and efficiently when information or documents from abroad are needed. The Agreement aims to clarify and simplify the direct exchange of legal requests between the two countries, such as obtaining evidence, transmitting judicial and extrajudicial documents, as well as recognizing and enforcing civil and commercial courts’ decisions issued in Moldova or Israel,” said Justice Minister Vladislav Cojuhari at the cabinet meeting.

This legal instrument supports individuals and companies involved in civil and commercial proceedings involving Moldova and the State of Israel. Thus, while until now, a citizen of Moldova involved in a lawsuit in Israel has had to hire a local lawyer, translate documents into Hebrew, and have them apostilled, after the agreement's entry into force, the documents can be transmitted through central authorities (in Moldova — the Ministry of Justice), translated into Hebrew or English, without apostillation. This will make the procedure faster and less costly.

“With the entry into force of the agreement, the procedures will have a clear form and a direct path. This is a step in strengthening bilateral relations and provides safety in cross-border legal processes,” added Vladislav Cojuhari.

The agreement does not apply in such areas as taxation, fines, social assistance, or civil status acts, such as marriage, divorce, paternity or guardianship.