On 3 August 2015, in the framework of the project "Support to the Moldovan Bar Association" of the PCF Project on Strengthening the efficiency of justice and support to lawyers’ profession in the Republic of Moldova, an workshop was organised in Chisinau to address matters related to the protection of personal data, the duty of professional secrecy, in particular in the context of disciplinary procedures against attorneys conducted within the Moldovan Bar Association.

The interactive workshop, was designed specifically for the members of the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission of the Moldovan Bar Association and benefited from their full and active participation, it was moderated by Ms. Olga Demian, the Council of Europe consultant.  The aim of the event was to discuss the findings of the evaluation of the disciplinary procedures against lawyers and to transfer applicable European standards and best practices to the members of the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission. As a result of consultations and analysis of the main national legal standards in these fields, shortcomings and incompatibilities were identified and solutions to overcome and address them have been agreed upon.

In particular, it was agreed that the final conclusions will be reflected in a report to be bought to the stakeholders’ attention for implementation. The consultant will continue to support the working group established within the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission to improve and upgrade the applicable procedures in line with Council of Europe standards and best European practices. The members of the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission reiterated also the need to increase lawyers’ awareness about standards related to privacy and personal data protection, notably through continuous trainings.

The component on the "Support to the Moldovan Bar Association" of the "Strengthening the efficiency of justice and support to lawyers' profession in the Republic of Moldova" project is funded by the Programmatic Cooperation Framework for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus. The Council of Europe and European Union are working in partnership with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus to help them meet Council of Europe benchmarks in human rights, democracy and the rule of law and improve the lives of citizens.