EU Justice Commissioner visits Chișinău

The European Union is ready to offer even more support to our country regarding strengthening the rule of law, human rights and the fight against corruption. We will work closely to implement priority reforms in justice and combat corruption. Moldova is not alone - we are with it at every stage. European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath made the statements today.

'The Republic of Moldova is firmly on the path to joining the EU, and I am convinced that the future of the Republic of Moldova is within the EU. The accession process is anchored in fundamental principles, and this means there must be tangible progress concerning the rule of law and human rights to establish Moldova's path to EU integration,' the commissioner told a press conference held today alongside Moldova's Minister of Justice Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.

According to the official, the European Commission is waiting for the opening of negotiations on various clusters as soon as Moldova meets the necessary criteria. Subsequently, the roadmap related to justice, anti-corruption reforms, and ensuring integrity, which must be fulfilled to ensure accession to the EU will be implemented.

'The EU remains committed to supporting Moldova's efforts for democracy. Moldova will not be alone on EU accession; we will be with you every step. We have already offered our support, and more support will come. Our experts are here, on the ground, working to ensure fair elections, fight foreign interference, strengthen independent media, integrity, and the rule of law,' said the European official.

The commissioner emphasized that the authorities in the Republic of Moldova have accomplished a substantial amount of work and have achieved significant progress concerning several reforms in the justice sector and the fight against corruption. Additionally, he assured that the EU is ready to provide more support, including ensuring that the fight against corruption is conducted systematically, reforms in the prosecution agencies, and progress in filling vacancies in the area.

'We have a good discussion with Moldova's authorities about the specific aspects of the necessary reform, and I must acknowledge the overall progress made, and we will offer more support and continue to work with Moldova's authorities on all aspects, including ensuring that the fight against corruption is conducted systematically, and clear evidence of progress exists,' emphasized Michael McGrath.

The European commissioner also referred to potential challenges in the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections this autumn.

For her part, Minister of Justice Veronica Mihailov-Moraru stated that for the Republic of Moldova, justice, fighting corruption, and human rights remain essential priorities, having major importance for society as a whole. According to her, the ongoing objective of the Republic of Moldova is to have a functional justice system, with integrity actors, supporting the development of a democratic society.

Veronica Mihailov-Moraru said she discussed with the European official the recent measures from the Ministry of Justice's agenda, implemented to meet citizens' expectations and fulfill commitments made to the EU, 'which supports us substantially in our European path.'

'I informed the European commissioner about progress in the vetting process of judges and prosecutors, the challenges of this process, and the recent legislative changes made by Parliament, intended to accelerate the Commission's work. I thanked the commissioner for supporting the vetting process and assured him of our ability to advance according to the schedule. I expressed confidence that we will significantly progress in completing all vacant judge positions at the Supreme Court of Justice,' stated Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.

The Minister of Justice also added that she discussed with the European official the need to protect democracy and the rule of law in the context of 'the phenomenon of electoral corruption and foreign interference.' 'We must strengthen the state's institutional capacity to face these challenges and improve legislation where necessary,' the minister said.

Michael McGrath is paying an official visit to Chișinău on 5-6 June.