Moldovan justice minister says digitalization must bring real benefits to both professionals in justice and citizens

The digitalization in the judicial sector must bring real benefits to both professionals in the field and citizens who interact with the justice system. Justice Minister Veronica Mihailov-Moraru has made statements to this effect. At a meeting with an international expert in digital governance and e-Justice, Karl Laas, she discussed the preliminary conclusions of the mission evaluating the digitalization of the justice sector, conducted as part of a European Commission’s project.

The minister appreciated the contribution of the European Union and development partners to the process of modernizing justice and emphasized the importance of identifying the most effective digital solutions and ensuring interoperability of the systems, adapted to the real needs of the judiciary system, professionals in the field, courts’ staff and citizens seeking justice.

“Digitalization must bring real benefits to both professionals in justice and citizens who interact with the justice system. Following this evaluation, we want to accelerate more with specialized resources in implementing actions in an integrated manner with all institutions responsible for the justice sector,” said Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.

For his part, expert Karl Laas appreciated the existing best practices in developing and using information systems in the justice sector, particularly noting the random distribution of cases system through PIGD, used in courts of Moldova for cases’ electronic management. Moreover, Karl Laas pointed out the necessity to improve PIGD and e-Dossier systems, especially regarding accessibility, interoperability, interconnectivity and their efficiency in use, so that they better meet the current requirements of the justice system.

The European expert encouraged the continuation of modernization efforts in e-Justice systems, in light of the commitments assumed by Moldova in the process of joining the European Union. At the same time, the expert welcomed the creation and launch by the Ministry of Justice of the Coordination Council for Digitalization of the justice sector, considering it an effective platform for interinstitutional coordination and cooperation.

“It is essential to collaborate in this format, share best practices and strengthen the leadership of the Justice Ministry in the digital transformation process of justice,” emphasized Karl Laas.

During the mission in the country, the expert had discussions with representatives from various justice-related institutions. As a result, the expert will draft a report including findings and recommendations, which will serve as a reference point for continued support provided by the European Commission to Moldova in the justice sector, including in the digitalization process.