EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders was in the Republic of Moldova on 1 and 2 March to discuss “rule of law issues in the context of Moldova’s candidate status for EU membership”, according to the European Commission.

Didier Reynders held meetings with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Dorin Recean and Justice Minister Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.

Moldovan Justice Minister Veronica Mihailov-Moraru and European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders held press statements on Thursday, March 2, 2023, in the context of the official visit of the European Commissioner to Moldova.

“We reconfirmed today our firm commitment to reforming the institutions of law in Moldova and we greatly appreciated the European Commissioner’s openness and appreciation of our position. For Moldova, improving the justice sector has been and remains a major priority, which is of overwhelming importance for the whole society (…) During the discussion, we informed about the objectives of the Ministry of Justice to create a rigorous regulatory framework to strengthen independence, but also to make actors in the justice sector accountable, which are essential in the fight against corruption (…) The quality of justice is a commitment made by Moldova in the European integration process and a dominant feature of the Government’s work programme. We will do our utmost to live up to the expectations of delivering results”, said Moldovan Minister of Justice Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.

EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders says the EU will continue to support Moldova in the justice reform process. According to him, “reforms are the most deficient” in this sector and all the recommendations of the Venice Commission “must be fully implemented” by the authorities in Chisinau.

“I welcome Moldova’s implementation of the existing recommendations of the Venice Commission on reforms and on the vetting process. The EU is committed to continue to support Moldova in its reform efforts, including for effective vetting of top justice institutions. So that they are fully in line with European standards. I also want to encourage Moldova to implement all the recommendations of the Venice Commission”, stressed Didier Reynders.

The European Commission will provide support to Moldova, including expertise and technical assistance for justice reform, the European official said.

“(…) I know that there will be several opinions that will be adopted by the Venice Commission, even next week, and we will follow their implementation, including the draft law on vetting and the one on de-oligarchisation. The recommendations of the Venice Commission must be fully implemented. I know it is difficult to deliver on justice reform, but I want to say that the most important thing is quality, but not speed. Reforms are the most deficient in this sector. It will be a very difficult year and I look forward to seeing what the outcome of this process will be. The Commission will support you in this process and beyond the annual enlargement report, we will come in our report on this topic. We will continue to provide the necessary support to Moldova, including expertise and technical assistance (…),” the European official said.

On 23 June 2022, the European Council granted Moldova the status of candidate country for EU membership. Obtaining this status does not grant EU membership, as the latter requires going through a complex procedure. Only after fulfilling the conditions for membership, candidate countries have to apply EU law in all areas.

Candidate status is an important step in the EU accession process and is granted by all 27 EU member states, which decide unanimously.

The European Commission has also sent to the European Council a list of measures to be taken by Moldova once it has achieved candidate status:

1. Complete the essential steps of the recently launched comprehensive reform of the justice system in all institutions in the justice and prosecution chains to ensure their independence, integrity, efficiency, accountability and transparency, including through the effective use of asset verification and effective democratic oversight. In particular, to fill all remaining vacancies in the SCM.
2. In all these areas, address the shortcomings identified by the OSCE/ODIHR and the Council of Europe/Venice Commission.
3. Fulfill the commitment to fight corruption at all levels by taking decisive action for proactive and effective investigations and a credible track record of prosecutions and convictions.
4. Implement the commitment to “de-linking”, by eliminating the influence of vested interests in economic, political and public life.
5. Strengthen the fight against organised crime, based on detailed threat assessments, increased cooperation with regional, EU and international partners and better coordination of law enforcement bodies; in particular, implement a legislative package on asset recovery and a comprehensive framework for the fight against financial crime and money laundering. Ensure that anti-money laundering legislation is in line with Financial Action Task Force standards.
6. Increase capacity to deliver reforms and quality public services, including by stepping up implementation of public administration reform; assess and update the public administration reform strategy.
7. Complete public financial management reform, including improving public procurement at all levels of government.
8. Increase civil society involvement in decision-making processes at all levels.
9. Strengthen the protection of human rights, in particular of vulnerable groups, and uphold its commitments to enhance gender equality and fight violence against women.