Moldova’s President Maia Sandu and the European Union’s Ambassador to Moldova, Iwona Piorko, took part in the opening of the event.
The President spoke about the challenges of reforming the justice system and the need for an external assessment of the integrity of judges and prosecutors.
Vetting is not perfect, but there is no better alternative
“The external assessment procedure has been ongoing for several years now,” she noted. “This is much longer than we would have liked, and we have still not completed this process. We have made progress with the assessment of judges, but we are lagging behind with the assessment of prosecutors. Vetting is not perfect, but there is no better process.”
The President emphasised that the reform had contributed to the renewal of the Superior Council of Magistracy and the Superior Council of Prosecutors, as well as their respective collegia, following an assessment of their members’ integrity. Furthermore, reform of the Superior Chamber of Justice is ongoing, legislative changes are being introduced, and efforts are being made to recover property and funds obtained through criminal means.
The EU Ambassador to Moldova, Iwona Piörko, described a strong and independent justice sector, capable of combating corruption, as a crucial element of the republic’s European path.
Moldova’s progress towards the European Union depends on this.
The Ambassador noted that the EU continues to support reforms in the justice system and emphasised the importance of completing the external evaluation. She also highlighted the role of civil society and the independent media in monitoring reforms, identifying gaps and developing solutions.
The forum will discuss the priorities for European integration in the field of justice, the functioning of institutions, the fight against corruption, the training of specialists, and the independence of the judiciary.
The forum is organised by the Centre for Legal Resources of Moldova (CRJM) with the support of the Soros Foundation in Moldova, the New Democracy Fund, the embassies of the Netherlands and France, and other partners.
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