The Republic of Moldova must build a system in which the judiciary is independent, impartial and enjoys the trust of citizens. This is important not only for the Republic of Moldova as an independent country, but also for the Republic of Moldova as a future member of the European Union, EU Ambassador in Chisinau Janis Mazeiks stated at the Justice and Anticorruption Reforms Forum staged for the sixth consecutive year by the Legal Resources Center from Moldova, IPN reports.

Janis Mazeiks noted that in the coming years, the importance of reforming the justice system and fighting corruption will become visible because they are the founding elements for any democracy that wants to become part of the European Union. “There are a lot of achievements. We know that we are moving in the right direction to fight corruption. I’ve talked to many actors who also see it as a success. We have a number of justice digitization projects. Modern technologies are very important in the Republic of Moldova,” said Ambassador Mazeiks.

This year’s edition of the forum focuses on the external assessment of judges and prosecutors and also on the developments in the fight against corruption. The organizers also aim to bring to the fore the main visions and ideas about what the justice of the future could look like, as well as motivational anticorruption stories.

Present at the event, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu said that all transformations must have a horizon. “My horizon is 2028. European integration will be in 2028 and we must be ready. You must make the greatest contribution in your field. Parliament will help you. I repeat, we need arguments, actions. I see that there are good people in the system, both prosecutors and policemen. I urge judges to show more courage,” stated Igor Grosu.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Moldova Nina Maria Fit said that the Moldovans need to know that they are not alone on this difficult path. “The U.S. has been and will remain a close and active partner that supports the Moldovans’ efforts, including through assistance, to independently assess the integrity of prosecutors, strengthen the police, the judiciary, and independent anticorruption agencies,” stated the U.S. diplomat.

The event was organized by the Legal Resources Center from Moldova with financial support from the U.S. Department of State through the Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Section of the U.S. Embassy in Moldova.