---
title: "EU diplomats tie Moldova accession to justice reform "
url: https://moldova1.md/p/85450/eu-diplomats-tie-moldova-accession-to-justice-reform
published: 2026-09-16T09:43:05Z
language: en
author: "Liubomir Guțu"
section: "EU accession"
source: moldova1.md
---

# EU diplomats tie Moldova accession to justice reform 

> European diplomats reaffirmed in Chisinau on Wednesday that Moldova’s European Union accession hinges on sweeping judicial reforms, urging authorities to sustain integrity vetting despite severe court staffing shortages and procedural delays.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/adad150b-68e9-46ad-a517-d4cac70f6399.jpg)

European diplomats reaffirmed in Chisinau on Wednesday that Moldova’s European Union accession hinges on sweeping judicial reforms, urging authorities to sustain integrity vetting despite severe court staffing shortages and procedural delays.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/2cd3c14b-dea4-474b-917c-cd475f16c6ac.jpg)

Speaking at the Justice Reform and Anti-Corruption Forum on September 16, European Union Ambassador to Moldova Iwona Piórko emphasized that judicial integrity represents the cornerstone of the EU’s fundamental values negotiating cluster.

*“Moldova’s accession progress directly hinges on results delivered in judicial reform and anti-corruption,”* said Piórko. *“Citizens have long demanded a system they can trust, free from corruption. We pursue these reforms in their interest.”*

**Staffing shortfalls and integrity evaluations**

Piórko praised recent progress in anti-money laundering investigations and asset confiscations, but cautioned that critical court vacancies and heavy caseloads threaten operational capacity. She urged the government to devise a comprehensive strategy to attract and retain qualified legal professionals.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/c720a524-ba40-479f-b212-c9d64df97b1d.jpg)

President Maia Sandu acknowledged the friction generated by extraordinary vetting, which was introduced after corruption was declared a national security threat in 2021. She noted that prior to the reforms, the judiciary had enabled major money laundering schemes and arbitrarily overturned the 2018 Chisinau mayoral election.

*“Vetting is not flawless, but no better alternative exists,”* Sandu said. *“We make mistakes, we learn, we amend legislation and procedures, and we move forward.”*

Official data shows that out of 208 notified judges, 178 have undergone evaluation: 70 magistrates (40%) passed, 39 failed, and 69 resigned before completion. The prosecution service faces deeper backlogs, with only 22 of 130 evaluated prosecutors cleared, seven disqualified, and roughly 100 cases still pending review.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/0b4a4270-7705-477a-a409-b2d54c5d828d.jpg)

**European partners pledge sustained backing**

Danish Ambassador Søren Jensen pointed to historical improvements in the rule of law, referencing the investigative documentary series "Plaha" on state capture during the 2010–2019 era. He emphasized that judicial evaluations must strike a balance to ensure courts remain operational while protecting internal whistleblowers.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/3f861438-f346-4c73-b46a-f36485486a75.jpg)

Netherlands Ambassador Esselien van Eerten highlighted Dutch support for investigating electoral crimes and modernizing proceedings through artificial intelligence, stressing that technological adoption must safeguard human rights.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/9d43ba76-d9d2-4445-a7ce-4f864a2f985c.jpg)

French Ambassador Dominique Waag reiterated that combating systemic corruption is an unending institutional effort requiring permanent vigilance. She reaffirmed France’s commitment to providing technical expertise to ensure the resilience of Moldova's democratic institutions.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

***
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