The Council of Europe and the European Union share values such as democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The common aims led the Council of Europe and the European Commission to develop a series of joint mechanisms of cooperation (participation of the European Commission to meet Council of Europe activities, accession of European Union to Council of Europe Conventions, etc.). One significant instrument of this cooperation is the conclusion since 1993 of a number of joint programmes, concerning coop¬eration with countries that joined the Council of Europe since 1989 and developed closer ties with the EU. In April 2001 the European Commission and the Council of Europe signed a Joint Declaration on Cooperation and Partnership that provides a framework of joint program¬ming and priority-setting mechanisms.

The Joint Programme between the Council of Europe and the European Commission on Increased independence, transparency and efficiency of the justice system of the Republic of Moldova addresses the needs of the Republic of Moldova to accom¬plish the reform of the judiciary. The scope of the Joint Programme covers the provisions related to judicial reform foreseen in the EU-Moldova Action Plan as well as in the Council of Europe's programme of co-operation with Moldova. It aims at strengthening the judicial system and provides for a number of complex activities targeting strategic priorities and specific actions resulting from mentioned agreements.

The Joint Programme between the Council of Europe and the European Commission on Increased independence, transparency and efficiency of the justice system of the Republic of Moldova started in October 2006, with a timeframe of 30 months and a budget of 3.3 mln. Euros. It is financed in a proportion of 90% from the budget of the European Commission (TACIS Action Programme 2005) as part of the EC's Country Strategy for Aid Assistance for Moldova and is implemented by the Council of Europe which contributes with the remaining of the budget (10%). The overall objective of the Joint Programme is to improve the independence, transparency and efficiency of the justice system in the Republic of Moldova and guarantee a fair access to justice for all citizens, based on rule of law and respect of common European democratic values and standards, in line with the provisions in the second chapter of the EU-Moldova Action Plan. The Joint Programme is designed to achieve its overall objective supported by the accomplishment of nine carefully coordinated specific purposes, defined as the main areas where the reform of the judicial system and the comple¬mentary institutions involved in the process of administra¬tion of justice should be focused upon.

The following specific purposes are pursued by the Joint Programme:

1. Legal framework on the judiciary is brought in line with European standards;
2. Legislation on the selection, training, recruitment, appointment and promotion of judges and prosecutors is adopted and implemented. The National Institute of Justice is fully operational;
3. Administration of justice is improved. Capacity of the Superior Council of Magistracy and Ministry of Justice with regard to the administration of justice is strengthened;
4. Transparency of the judicial system is reinforced, and citizens' confidence in justice is improved;
5. Access of citizens to justice is improved. Free legal aid system is adopted and implemented;
6. Capacity of auxiliary court personnel (court clerks, judges' councilors, registrars, etc.) is strengthened;
7. Lawyers' profession is reinforced;
8. Reform of the Prosecutor General Office is completed;
9. Enforcement of judicial decisions is improved.

All activities of the Joint Programme are implemented in partnership with local beneficiaries and partners, such as Ministry of Justice, Superior Council of Magistracy, Supreme Court of Justice, Parliament, National Institute of Justice, General Prosecutor's Office, Moldovan Bar Association, Department for Enforcement, and in close cooperation with the Delegation of the European Com¬mission to Moldova.

Contact information:

Council of Europe Programme Office in Moldova,

MD-2009, 4 Puskin str., Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.

tel.: +37322202304

fax: +37322202305

http://www.jp.coe.int/

Leaflet "' EC/CoE Joint Programme on Increased independence, transparency and efficiency of the justice system of the Republic of Moldova"