European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath visited Chișinău on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 March to assess the reforms undertaken by the Republic of Moldova as part of its European Union accession process.
At a joint press conference with Minister of Justice Vlad Cojuhari on Friday 27 March, the latter highlighted the external evaluation of judges and prosecutors, describing it as “absolutely essential for regaining citizens’ trust and faith in the administration of justice”. He also assured that this process is being conducted “in strict compliance with all procedural safeguards regarding fundamental rights”.
The commissioner welcomed the “very satisfactory progress“ made on “reforms relating to justice and the rule of law“. However, he stressed that “efforts would still be required, given the scale of the project”.
He then reaffirmed the European Commission’s support. He also announced a €5 million extension to the programme supporting the external evaluation of judges, as well as a new €4 million project to speed up the digitalisation of the justice system.
Recalling the objective of these reforms, Michael McGrath stated that “the most important thing is that ordinary Moldovan citizens have trust and faith in their judicial system”.
He added: “Moldova belongs to the European Union, and I am certain that its future is European”. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)