Judges, prosecutors of Moldova trained in environmental cases' investigation

The first session of the training programme titled, Particularities of Investigating and Examining Environmental Cases in Moldova, organized in partnership by the NGO EcoContact, the Environment Ministry and the National Justice Institute (INJ), took place in Chisinau on October 22.

The event marks another step in strengthening the professional competencies of magistrates in the field of environmental legislation, in a context that the number of cases concerning pollution, waste management or improper use of natural resources is on the rise.

"The training programme aims to ensure consistent and uniform enforcement of environmental legislation, in line with European and international standards, including the Aarhus Convention and European Union directives. At the same time, the initiative supports the protection of citizens' rights to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The training sessions are interactive, based on case law analysis, case studies and simulations, meant to develop participants' practical skills and stimulate professional dialogue between magistrates and environmental experts. The activity is part of the Practical Application of the Environmental Regulatory Framework module, included in the INJ Continuing Training Plan (Semester II, 2025)," EcoContact said.

The first session was dedicated to the legal regime of environmental protection, focusing on air quality and industrial emissions’ control; waste and hazardous chemical management; investigation of criminal pollution cases.

Eight experts—including representatives from the Environment Ministry, the Environmental Protection Inspectorate, legal experts and EcoContact specialists, as well as INJ trainers—addressed topics on the enforcement of environmental regulations, industrial emissions’ authorization, pollution control and legal instruments for sanctioning violations. The event was attended by 21 judges and prosecutors from all over Moldova.

Upcoming sessions will address the legal regime of the forest fund, protected areas and game resources—on October 29; water, soil and subsoil resource management—on November 5.

The programme is conducted under the project, Green Justice for a Protected Environment and Sustainable Communities in Moldova, implemented by the NGO EcoContact with support on behalf of Sweden.