VIDEO // Moldovan judges, prosecutors specialize in investigating environmental crimes at European standards

Judges and prosecutors of Moldova are strengthening their competences in the field of environmental protection, with the launch of the tenth training cycle of the specialized programme on investigating environmental crimes. The event, organized by the National Institute of Justice (INJ), in partnership with the NGO EcoContact, marks an important stage in efforts to align the national justice system with European environmental standards.

Legal expertise for a protected environment

Twelve practicing judges and prosecutors participated in the first session of this programme, analyzing the complexity of the regulatory framework applicable to activities with environmental impact. The programme, initially launched in 2020, has become an essential platform for continuous training, financially supported by the government of Sweden, under the project, Green Justice for a Protected Environment and Sustainable Communities.

At the opening of the event, the INJ deputy director, Ghennadi Epure, emphasized the crucial role of these trainings for the judicial system.

“This programme reflects the need to strengthen the practical skills of judges and prosecutors in investigating and examining environmental cases, through the coherent application of the regulatory framework and the use of appropriate legal instruments, in line with European and international standards,” Epure noted.

From theory to the practice of sanctioning pollution

The inaugural session focused on control and authorization instruments, addressing the criminal dimension of infringements related to air emissions, water resources’ management and waste management. The working method is interactive, combining the analysis of European case law with case studies from the national context, under the guidance of experts from the Environmental Protection Inspectorate and INJ trainers.

The trainings will continue in the coming weeks, on April 30 and May 7, when participants will focus on the legal regime of forest resources, the management of subsoil resources and the protection of natural areas. Through this initiative,  Moldova aims to ensure a stricter enforcement of the law in the face of environmental challenges, thereby guaranteeing citizens’ right to a healthy and sustainable environment.