The Fourth Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Project “Ensuring the Integrity, Efficiency, and Independence of the Justice System in Moldova – #Justice4Moldova”

On Tuesday, 15 April 2025, the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) hosted the fourth meeting of the Steering Committee of the project “Ensuring the Integrity, Efficiency, and Independence of the Justice System in Moldova – #Justice4Moldova.” During the meeting, participants were informed about the main outcomes of the project’s two years of activity, as well as the activities planned for the upcoming year.

During the reporting period, the following results were achieved:

1. The members of the Justice Experts Group (JEG) developed 9 position papers:

• Amicus Curiae regarding the referral to the Constitutional Court No. 114a of 12.04.2023;
• Position paper on the draft law to amend Law No. 3/2016 on the Prosecution Service;
• Position paper on the draft law amending various normative acts – procedural aspects related to the functioning of the courts;
• Amicus Curiae on referrals No. 282a/2023 and No. 60a/2024;
• Opinion on the draft law amending various normative acts (enhancing the mechanism for the confiscation of criminal assets);
• Opinion on the draft law regarding the use of confiscated assets for social or public purposes;
• Amicus Curiae on cases No. 233/23 and No. 77/24, pending before the Equality Council;
• Opinion on the mechanism for compensating damage caused by unlawful acts in criminal and contraventional proceedings, and on the related legislative framework;
• Position paper on draft law No. 40/2025 concerning the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and the Fight against Organized Crime.
• Three public policy dialogues were organized to discuss and promote JEG’s recommendations presented in the above-mentioned position papers.

2. The first Alternative Report on the implementation of the Strategy for ensuring independence and integrity in the justice sector for the period 2022–2023 was developed.
3. An advocacy visit to Brussels was conducted to promote justice and anti-corruption reforms.
4. A public awareness and information campaign on integrity in the justice system was implemented, including the production and publication of 2 infographics, 3 explanatory videos, and 5 op-eds.
5. A Functional Analysis of the General Prosecutor’s Office was conducted.
6. 12 investigative reports on the integrity of judges from the Courts of Appeal in Chisinau, Balti, Comrat, and Cahul were developed.

Angelo Di Giorgi, Justice, Elections and Parliament Programme Officer at the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, stated: “The EU is proud to stand with Moldova in this critical phase of institutional reform. A functioning, independent, and trusted justice system is not only a pillar of the rule of law – it is a prerequisite for economic development, and for the trust of Moldovan citizens in a just society. This 4^th meeting of the Steering Committee of the project ‘Securing integrity, efficiency and independence of the justice system in Moldova’, or ‘#Justice4Moldova’ comes at a critical juncture for both the project itself and the country. The project has just completed its second year of implementation; therefore, it will be of particular interest for all of us to understand the impact of it and the results that have been achieved so far. At the same time, the Republic of Moldova is working at full speed for the implementation of very ambitious reforms, also in the justice sector”.

In turn, Oxana Brighidin, Justice and Anti-Corruption Program Officer at the Soros Foundation Moldova, said: “We thank IPRE for its valuable contribution and sustained efforts in promoting reforms. We also extend our gratitude to the Delegation of the European Union for its continuous support in strengthening the rule of law and democratic processes in the Republic of Moldova. In a context marked by significant challenges, it is essential to remain committed to democratic values, ensure citizens’ access to accurate and transparent information, and actively support both state institutions and civil society in efforts to strengthen the justice sector. The Soros Foundation Moldova reaffirms its commitment to remain an active and dedicated partner in continuing the collaboration to advance the European Agenda and fortify the rule of law.”

The general objective of the project is to contribute to increasing the role of civil society and the media in strengthening the independence, integrity, efficiency, and accountability of the justice system in the Republic of Moldova. More details about the project are available here.

The main role of the Steering  Committee is to monitor the implementation of project activities, and it will meet every six months throughout the duration of the project. The next meeting will take place in October 2025. The Committee includes representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Superior Council of Magistracy, the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau, the Center for International Legal Cooperation (CILC), the Legal Resources Centre from Moldova, and the Independent Journalism Center.

The “Securing integrity, efficiency and independence of the justice system in Moldova – #Justice4Moldova” project is implemented by the Institute for European Policies and Reforms as a lead partner, in consortium with the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR). The project is funded by the European Union and co-funded by Soros Foundation Moldova.