May 25, 2026, Chisinau – The Ministry of Justice presented the Final Evaluation Report on the Implementation of the Strategy for Ensuring the Independence and Integrity of the Justice Sector for the Years 2022–2025. The Strategy was the main document that guided the justice reforms and established a clear vision on the direction in which the judicial system should evolve – an independent, integrity, accessible, efficient and citizen-friendly system, in accordance with European standards and the values of the rule of law.
According to the report, of the total planned actions, 71% have been fully implemented, and another 19% are under implementation or have been partially completed.
"The strategy for ensuring the independence and integrity of the justice sector for the years 2022–2025 was the basis for substantial reforms, the results of which are reflected both at the institutional level and in the perception of citizens. The implemented actions contributed to the modernization of the judicial system, the streamlining of access to justice and the increase in the quality of the act of justice," said Vladislav Cojuhari, Minister of Justice.
During the period 2022–2025, the mechanisms for the independence and accountability of judges and prosecutors were strengthened, including by amending the appointment, evaluation and promotion framework. Structural reforms were promoted that had an impact on the governance of the judiciary and the prosecution system, through the reorganization of judicial administration bodies and the reform of the Supreme Court of Justice.
At the same time, to ensure an integrity justice sector free from corruptible factors, the reform of the external evaluation of judges and prosecutors from the perspective of ethical and financial integrity (vetting) was undertaken. Tools were developed to increase transparency and access to justice, including for vulnerable groups. State-guaranteed legal aid services were also expanded and several administrative and digital processes in the judicial system were modernized. At the same time, of the total measures, 9% were not implemented by the end of 2025.
"The implementation period of the Strategy coincided with the launch of the Republic of Moldova's accession process to the European Union and the advancement of reforms related to Chapter 23, which determined the implementation of other measures aimed at achieving the same reform objectives in the justice sector," said Lilia Rusu, Head of the Public Policy Coordination Department within the Ministry of Justice.
The actions taken have produced results that are also reflected in the public perception of justice. According to the Public Opinion Barometer, the level of citizens' trust in the judicial system increased significantly in the last year of the Strategy's implementation, from 15% in 2024 to 27.5% in 2025.
The Strategy for Ensuring the Independence and Integrity of the Justice Sector for 2022–2025 was implemented with the involvement of the Superior Council of Magistracy, the Superior Council of Prosecutors, the Supreme Court of Justice, the Prosecutor General's Office, the National Institute of Justice, representatives of the legal professions, as well as other stakeholders. Likewise, the support provided by development partners and civil society, both through expertise and technical and financial support, was essential for advancing the reforms.
The Ministry of Justice is currently in the process of drafting a new policy document in the justice sector. It will focus on consolidating the reforms already launched, but also on promoting new sectoral priorities related to the European integration agenda.
