Chisinau, 17 October 2023 – Today the European Union and Council of Europe joint project “Support to the Justice Reform in the Republic of Moldova”, was launched at a dedicated conference. In the framework of continued assistance to the authorities of the Republic of Moldova, the project will provide technical assistance to achieve increased independence, professionalism, and transparency in the judiciary and support the implementation of the justice reform in the Republic of Moldova in compliance with European standards and the country’s commitments.

The project will run until November 2026 with a budget of 2,7 million Euros. The project beneficiaries are: the Ministry of Justice, the Superior Council of Magistracy, the Superior Council of Prosecutors, the National Institute of Justice, and the Constitutional Court.

During her opening remarks at the launching event, Mrs. Veronica Mihalov-Moraru, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Moldova stated: “This project is essential in the context of the ongoing justice reform in the Republic of Moldova.”

“The EU has been a steadfast partner, providing financial assistance, expertise, and guidance to help Moldova in ensuring the successful implementation of comprehensive justice reform. In particular, this flagship project will provide key assistance to justice institutions in implementing the Justice Reform Strategy 2022-2025 towards a more effective, transparent and accountable judiciary. The support provided by the European Union, implemented by the Council of Europe, will provide technical assistance support to the Ministry of Justice, the Superior Council of Magistracy, the Superior Council of Prosecutor, the National Institute of Justice and to the Constitutional Court. A well-functioning justice system ensures the protection of human rights, upholds the rule of law, and fosters trust among its citizens.” – noted Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

“In the current context of dynamic and complex reforms, I am very pleased that the European Union and the Council of Europe have joined the forces in this comprehensive and large-scale joint Project that is launched today to support the Moldovan authorities in their hard work of reforming the justice system. Within the framework of this Project and beyond, the Council of Europe remains committed to provide legal expertise and other forms of necessary assistance to facilitate the implementation of the justice reform in line with the applicable European standards and the country’s commitments” – noted Mr Falk Lange, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau.

At the launching conference, the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova and the Council of Europe, together with representatives of the national authorities, international development partners as well as local civil society organisations, joined in panel discussions on various aspects related to the independence of the judiciary and the applicable European standards in the context of the ongoing reforms.