The Action against Corruption in the Republic of Moldova organized consultative meetings with the representatives of the National Integrity Authority (NIA), Integrity Council, justice sector institutions, development partners and civil society organizations from 26 March to 28 April 2021. The meetings aimed to discuss institutional and legislative challenges affecting its performance and possible measures to strengthen NIA’s capacities and mandate.

During the consultative meetings, the Council of Europe exchanged views with the Moldovan counterparts on necessary actions to strengthen the independence, transparency and effectiveness of NIA and its controls with respect to public officials. NIA’s mandate and internal operating procedures, its cooperation with the Integrity Council, organigram and staffing needs were among the topics discussed during the meetings. Several legislative initiatives concerning NIA’s functioning and the system of declaration of assets and personal interests were also reviewed. The meetings were part of an assessment, which will result with a report providing analysis and making proposals for necessary changes to NIA’s institutional practices and to the legislative and regulatory framework to improve effectiveness.

In its Second Compliance Report of Fourth Evaluation Round on the Republic of Moldova, GRECO recommended ensuring a significantly more independent and effective control, by the NIA, of compliance by members of Parliament, judges and prosecutors with the rules on conflicts of interest, incompatibilities, statements of personal interests and statements of income and property.

This activity was organized within the framework of the project “Action against corruption in the Republic of Moldova”, funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the US Department of State and implemented by the Council of Europe.