Judicial experts from Moldova, Ukraine, Romania assemble in Chisinau to discuss strengthening judicial independence, accountability in current regional context

Authorities and judicial experts of Moldova, Ukraine and Romania today assembled at a regional conference titled, Strengthening Judicial Independence and Accountability: Regional Perspectives and Challenges. The event is organized by the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) of Moldova, in partnership with the Council of Europe, within the joint EU–CoE project, Support for Justice Reform in Moldova.

The conference brought together representatives of judicial councils and key institutions from Moldova, Romania and Ukraine, along with international experts, members of civil society and academic environment. Participants will discuss common solutions to such challenges as strengthening institutional independence, the selection and evaluation of judges and disciplinary accountability – all within a comparative, technical and professional framework.

The event was inaugurated by the CSM president Sergiu Caraman, who referred to the necessity of strengthening the independence of the justice processes.

“The subject of the conference is not theoretical; it is a reality we experience daily. Therefore, it is necessary to respond to existing challenges with professionalism. The justice system is undergoing extensive reform; we have the necessary mechanisms to verify integrity. EU accession is not just a political goal; it brings a citizen-focused legal system. We are pleased that we are not alone in this effort; we have constant support in strengthening an extremely important system for democracy,” said Sergiu Caraman.

The event was attended by Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu. The official touched upon the processes initiated to strengthen the judicial sector.

“We spoke with colleagues from Romania and Ukraine about the importance of justice reform. It is necessary to analyze the strategies and tactics applied in this ambitious and complicated, yet extremely necessary process. We have initiated an external evaluation, which was not easy, but quite necessary. We want the law to be applied correctly, timely and in relation to every citizen in state institutions. This is extremely necessary in a very complex regional political context; I mean external interferences with the political and electoral processes of Moldova. We are all expecting courageous and decisive decisions in high-profile cases. Now, Moldova and Ukraine are very close to the EU, a historic and unique moment to put our countries on the European map,” said Igor Grosu.

Minister of Justice Veronica Mihailov-Moraru said that the participants in event would discuss topics concerning judicial strengthening processes, related to the regional area.

“These issues are extremely important for the three countries, and in the reform process, Moldova and Ukraine will use Romania's experience. The conference highlights cooperation with European bodies. There are more challenges in our common space, so it is important to apply common methods and meet citizens' expectations. The committed reforms are essential for strengthening a fair and transparent judicial system in a rule of law state. We have advanced significantly, but we have concrete objectives to achieve to guarantee citizens' trust in justice,” said Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov noted that, in the European Union, the rule of law was not negotiable, but a fundamental value.

“Moldova wants to be part of this community namely because we share these values. Justice reform is the essence of our European integration process and the key to transforming the state into a safe, fair and predictable space for all citizens. Without an independent and credible judiciary, we cannot speak of a European Moldova, where the law is equal for all, and citizens trust that justice is done. Today, when there is an existential struggle between justice and abuse, between democracy and aggression, in the region, the legal profession is called upon to be an anchor of stability and hope,” Cristina Gherasimov stressed.

Also, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, Mate Csicsai expressed the European Union’s support in implementing reforms in the justice domain.

“We will provide the necessary assistance to strengthen all components of the legal system. This reform has become extremely necessary in the current regional context. An independent judiciary is needed in a rule of law state,” remarked the official.

The conference will include three topic-related sessions: The Role of Judicial Councils in Supporting the Institutional Independence of the Judiciary System; The Selection, Evaluation, and Dismissal of Judges; Disciplinary Accountability of Judges and the Balance with the Principle of Independence.

The main goal of the meeting is to facilitate the exchange of best practices between countries in the region, to strengthen institutional guarantees for an independent, efficient and accountable judiciary. Discussions will focus on lessons learned in reform processes and identifying sustainable approaches aligned with European standards, in a climate of regional cooperation and international expertise.