Justice Minister's report: Over 400 extraditions completed and EU directives implemented in recent years

Acting Minister of Justice Veronica Mihailov-Moraru presented a comprehensive report today on the ministry's activity for 2023–2025, highlighting significant progress in the field of combating corruption, strengthening the rule of law, and protecting human rights, as well as in international cooperation.


“The Ministry of Justice has made significant progress in the field of combating corruption and strengthening the protection of human rights. These achievements represent important steps in the implementation of two very relevant roadmaps integrated into the 'Fundamental Values' cluster of the Treaty on European Union,” stated the minister.


According to Veronica Mihailov-Moraru, Chapter 23, concerning justice and fundamental rights, and the chapter on the functioning of democratic institutions involve, over the next three years, the coordination of the transposition of hundreds of European Union directives:


“These directives aim to strengthen the rule of law, make the judicial system more efficient, develop the normative and institutional framework for preventing and combating corruption, and continuously implement mechanisms for human rights protection. In 2024, the Ministry of Justice was responsible for assessing the compatibility of national legislation in the field of justice. This assessment was carried out in cooperation with 30 institutions and the European Commission and was appreciated as being of high quality, allowing us to move forward with drafting the national accession program.”


The minister also emphasized the progress in implementing Chapter 24 – Justice, Security, and Freedom, managed together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs:


“We have signed two agreements with the European Union that provide citizens and civil society organizations access to European programs and grants, financial support, and expertise for justice reform. These measures strengthen the institutional capacity of the judiciary and allow citizens to benefit from the fundamental rights and values promoted by the European Union.”


On the international level, the Ministry of Justice has signed several conventions and bilateral treaties with Lithuania, Spain, Israel, Italy, and Romania, intensifying legal cooperation and extraditions.


“The positive dynamic of extraditions demonstrates the credibility of our system and the trust foreign authorities place in the authorities of the Republic of Moldova. In recent years, 414 people have been successfully extradited, including in high-profile cases managed by the Ministry of Justice. This figure reflects the efficiency of international cooperation and our ability to protect citizens and the state from cross-border illegal acts,” added the minister.


Veronica Mihailov-Moraru further added that the Ministry of Justice remains responsible for preparing and representing the Republic of Moldova's interests in all international legal aspects, strengthening both external cooperation and respect for citizens' fundamental rights:


“The Ministry of Justice will continue to be the main coordinator of the implementation of European roadmaps, ensuring both compliance with European Union standards and increased transparency, integrity, and efficiency of the national judicial system.”


She mentioned that there is still much work to be done, but in recent years our country has scored several important successes within the framework of justice reform.