IPRE presented the results of the #JusticeForMoldova project
The Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), in consortium with the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), with the support of the European Union and co-financing from the Soros Foundation Moldova, organized on Thursday, 2 July 2026, the closing event of the project “Ensuring the integrity, efficiency and independence of the justice system in the Republic of Moldova – #JusticeForMoldova”.
The event brought together representatives of public authorities, justice sector institutions, development partners, civil society experts, journalists, and members of the expert community. Discussions focused on the results achieved within the project, lessons learned, as well as the next priorities for justice reform in the context of the Republic of Moldova’s EU accession negotiations.
At the opening of the event, Stela Braniște, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice, stated: “The Ministry of Justice appreciates the contribution made by this project through the expertise and analyses provided, as well as through the capacity-building activities carried out for civil society organizations and media institutions in the area of monitoring reforms and promoting public dialogue on justice. Of particular importance is the alternative assessment of the implementation of the Strategy for ensuring the independence and integrity of the justice sector. From a good governance perspective, these assessments are not a parallel or competing exercise to government monitoring, but rather an effective instrument that strengthens the transparency and credibility of the reforms promoted by the Government. In the complex process of justice reform and European integration, the partnership between public authorities, civil society and the media is essential for maintaining a constructive dialogue between public institutions and citizens.”
Martina Spernbauer, Head of Governance Team of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova noted: “Over the past three and a half years, this initiative has made an important contribution to justice reform in the Republic of Moldova. The project has helped strengthen dialogue between institutions and civil society, supported transparency and integrity efforts, and provided valuable analysis at a crucial moment for the country’s European path. For citizens of the European Union, access to a fair, independent, and efficient justice system is a fundamental guarantee. It protects rights, strengthens trust in public institutions, and reinforces democracy. Supporting the Republic of Moldova in moving closer to these standards is not only a reform objective, but an investment in the country’s European future.”
Natalia Vîlcu, Director of Advocacy and Programmes at Soros Foundation Moldova, stated: “An independent and accountable justice system is essential for strengthening the rule of law and citizens’ trust in public institutions. Through the #Justice4Moldova project, Soros Foundation Moldova, together with IPRE and IWPR, with the support of the European Union, contributed to strengthening the role of civil society in promoting the independence, integrity and efficiency of the justice system. We thank our partners for their professionalism and cooperation. The results of this project provide an important basis for continuing reforms so that they strengthen public trust in justice and bring the Republic of Moldova closer to European rule-of-law standards.”
Within the #JusticeForMoldova project, the capacities of civil society experts, investigative journalists, and analysts specialized in assessing the integrity of justice sector actors were strengthened. In total, 14 experts participated in training programmes, mentoring, and experience exchange activities on public policy development, reform monitoring, formulation of recommendations, and advocacy.
At the same time, the Justice Expert Group (JEG) was established as an independent expertise platform supporting justice sector reforms. Its experts produced 14 legal opinions on draft legislation and submissions to the Constitutional Court, and contributed to two alternative monitoring reports on the implementation of the Strategy for ensuring independence and integrity of the justice sector for 2022–2025.
“Justice4Moldova created spaces for dialogue between civil society, state institutions, and European partners. Ten thematic policy dialogue events and one EU-level advocacy visit were organized to promote recommendations on justice reform and anti-corruption. The project also provided institutional expertise to strengthen the capacities of the justice system, including through the Functional Analysis of the Prosecutor General’s Office and support for the implementation of related recommendations,” stated Iulian Groza, Executive Director of IPRE Institute for European Policies and Reforms.
An important component of the project focused on informing the public about justice reforms. Within the #Justice4Moldova campaign, video materials, infographics, TV programmes, and articles on integrity in the justice system were produced. In addition, two public opinion surveys assessed perceptions of judicial integrity.
The project also supported the development of investigative journalism capacities and analysts specialized in integrity verification of justice actors. Ten journalists and ten analysts participated in training programmes and international study visits focused on financial investigations and OSINT tools. In total, 32 independent investigative reports on the integrity of justice sector actors were produced.
The second part of the event was dedicated to the Republic of Moldova’s progress in implementing benchmarks under Chapter 23 – Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, as well as the Rule of Law Roadmap. Discussions addressed progress achieved, existing challenges, and next priorities for strengthening the independence, integrity, and efficiency of the justice system in the context of the country’s European path.
The event was organized within the project “Ensuring the integrity, efficiency and independence of the justice system in Moldova – #JusticeForMoldova”, implemented by the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), in partnership with the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR). The project is funded by the European Union and co-financed by the Soros Foundation Moldova. Its overall objective was to strengthen the role of civil society and the media in promoting the independence, integrity, efficiency, and accountability of the justice system in the Republic of Moldova.
