
Vetting and Justice Reform in the Republic of Moldova
Project Description
The project “Vetting and Justice Reform in the Republic of Moldova” supports the final phase of the pre-vetting process and the full vetting of judges, alongside capacity building for the Superior Council of the Magistracy (SCM). These efforts contribute to Moldova’s Justice Sector Reform Strategy 2022-2025, which aims to strengthen integrity, professionalism, and public trust in the judiciary.
The project is co-funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, and implemented in close coordination with international partners, including the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. In addition, the project supports the secondment of a Moldovan Liaison Prosecutor to EUROJUST, enhancing cooperation between Moldova and EU Member States in cross-border criminal cases.
The project is co-funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, and implemented in close coordination with international partners, including the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. In addition, the project supports the secondment of a Moldovan Liaison Prosecutor to EUROJUST, enhancing cooperation between Moldova and EU Member States in cross-border criminal cases.
Specific Objective
1. Finalise the pre-vetting of candidates to the Superior Council of the Magistracy (SCM) and Superior Council of Prosecution (SCP);
2. Conduct the full vetting of judges, covering the Supreme Court of Justice, courts of appeal, and candidates for leadership roles in first instance courts;
3. Strengthen the institutional capacity of the SCM, particularly in areas related to ethical oversight and professional conduct;
4. Facilitate Moldova’s judicial cooperation with the EU through the secondment of a Liaison Prosecutor to EUROJUST, improving coordination in criminal justice matters;
5. Contribute to the successful implementation of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy, aligning Moldova’s justice system with European standards.
2. Conduct the full vetting of judges, covering the Supreme Court of Justice, courts of appeal, and candidates for leadership roles in first instance courts;
3. Strengthen the institutional capacity of the SCM, particularly in areas related to ethical oversight and professional conduct;
4. Facilitate Moldova’s judicial cooperation with the EU through the secondment of a Liaison Prosecutor to EUROJUST, improving coordination in criminal justice matters;
5. Contribute to the successful implementation of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy, aligning Moldova’s justice system with European standards.
Expected Results
1. New SCM and SCP members appointed through a transparent pre-vetting process based on ethical and financial integrity criteria;
2. A full vetting process launched for judges at all levels, ensuring that only candidates with proven integrity remain in office;
3. SCM’s capacity enhanced to ensure independent and professional self-governance of the judiciary;
4. Stronger judicial cooperation with EU Member States through EUROJUST, improving Moldova’s response to cross-border crime;
5. Increased public confidence in the justice system, supported by transparent processes and alignment with EU and international standards.
2. A full vetting process launched for judges at all levels, ensuring that only candidates with proven integrity remain in office;
3. SCM’s capacity enhanced to ensure independent and professional self-governance of the judiciary;
4. Stronger judicial cooperation with EU Member States through EUROJUST, improving Moldova’s response to cross-border crime;
5. Increased public confidence in the justice system, supported by transparent processes and alignment with EU and international standards.
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PROJECT DETAILS
Moldova
Priority Area:
Partnership that empowers, Partnership that protects, Partnership that protects Subsector:
Public Administration Reform, Governance & public administration, Rule of law & human rights Topic:
Good government, Human rights, Justice Project Status:
Ongoing Start Date:
01.04.2023 End Date:
31.03.2025 Website:
https://www.vetting.md/
EU Project Number:
ACT-60606