Strengthening external evaluation mechanism for judges

The Venice Commission has issued an opinion on the Ministry of Justice’s intention to strengthen the mechanism for verifying the integrity of judges. The Commission stated that “the initiative is compatible with European standards” and recommended a series of normative improvements.

According to the Ministry of Justice, by requesting the opinion of the Venice Commission, the institution ensured an independent assessment of the initiative.


“The ministry’s concept aims to establish a mixed mechanism for verifying the integrity of judges, combining internal evaluation, carried out by the Board for the Evaluation and Selection of Judges, with external evaluation conducted by the Commission for the Evaluation of Judges. Through this initiative, the ministry intends to strengthen public trust in the judicial system and to develop a coherent framework for integrity checks at the level of the self-governing bodies of the judiciary,” the institution announced.


The Commission also notes that certain elements can be improved to enhance predictability, transparency and the protection of the rights of the judges being evaluated.


“The Venice Commission underlined that the Republic of Moldova has a margin of discretion in choosing the model for verifying integrity. More specifically, the authorities have the discretion to define the method by which integrity is verified, as well as the list of subjects within the judiciary. However, when exercising this margin of discretion, the authorities must ensure respect for fundamental rights and guarantees. The opinion issued by the Venice Commission represents a validation of the reform direction and will provide legal guidance for finalizing the final text of the draft law,” the ministry stated.


The institution emphasized that justice reform concerns the functioning of the system as a whole, and ensuring the integrity of judges is a key component of this reform.


“We count on the continuation of transparent dialogue with the Superior Council of Magistracy (SCM) and the Board for the Selection and Evaluation of Judges, initiated on 16 January 2026 and resumed on 14 May 2026, during which we discussed options that can contribute to expanding and accelerating the process of evaluating judges, as well as to strengthening the institutional capacities of the Board. The Ministry appreciates the good cooperation with the SCM and the constructive approach demonstrated by both parties, based on shared responsibility, so that the integrity evaluation process is carried out with full respect for fundamental values,” the ministry noted.


The authorities announce that subsequent actions will be determined by consensus, after examining all recommendations, so that the solutions meet the objective of justice reform and are compatible with European practices and standards.


“Integrity must be ensured through clear rules, predictable mechanisms and institutions capable of functioning over the long term, regardless of the challenges currently faced by institutions undergoing reform. The stake of the reform is a robust and credible judicial system that will strengthen the integrity of the act of justice and public trust,” the ministry remarked.


The opinion of the Venice Commission was adopted during the plenary session of 12–13 June of this year, at the request of the Ministry of Justice. The request for an opinion aimed to obtain independent expertise to support a solid, credible reform compatible with international standards.