Moldovan judges, prosecutors enhance knowledge in green justice field

The judicial system of Moldova is strengthening its competencies in the protection of natural ecosystems. EcoContact NGO and the National Justice Institute (INJ) announced the completion of the spring 2026 edition of the specialized programme, Specifics of Investigating and Examining Environmental Cases in  Moldova.

The tenth edition of the programme took place between April 23 and May 7, 2026, bringing together 43 judges and prosecutors.

“During three topic-related days, participants explored critical aspects of environmental legislation. They included the analysis of control over activities with environmental impact, environmental permitting and industrial emissions’ management, the legal regime of forests, hunting areas and state-protected natural areas, as well as the management and legal protection of water, soil and subsoil,” EcoContact says.

According to the cited source, a central focus of the training was the examination of investigation mechanisms and criminal liability through the lens of EU directives. Practitioners studied European procedural safeguards, including the right to information, access to a lawyer and the presumption of innocence in environmental cases.

The 12 topic-related sessions were delivered by nine expert trainers from EcoContact, the Environmental Protection Inspectorate and INJ. The working method was practice-oriented, based on case studies, analysis of specific situations, and both national and European case law.

The programme has been organized every six months since 2019, as an integral part of the project, Green Justice for a Protected Environment and Sustainable Communities of Moldova”. This initiative, implemented by EcoContact with financial support from Sweden, aims at the consistent application of the regulatory framework, in order to ensure effective justice for the benefit of the environment and citizens.