On 21 December, with the support of the "Support to the Moldovan Bar Association” component  of the “Strengthening the efficiency of justice and support to lawyers’ profession in the Republic of Moldova” Project, the Moldovan Bar Association initated and organised, for the first time, a round table discussion with the justice sector stakeholders on the Lawyers Profession role in justice sector reforms in the Republic of Moldova.

The round table was attended by the President of the Superior Council of Magistracy, Mr. Victor Micu, representatives of the Prosecutor General Office, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, members of the Moldovan Parliament, members of the Moldovan Bar Association. Mr. Ghenadie Barba, deputy Head of the CoE Office in Chisinau, welcomed the Moldovan Bar Association initiative and the dialogue as a good practice promoted by Council of Europe. The President of the Moldovan Bar Association, Mrs Nina Lozan highlighted the Moldovan Bar Association’s openness to develop a platform for debating justice sector issues and human rights protection together with the justice sector stakeholders. The dialogue between the lawyers and public authorities will facilitate the efficient administration of justice, in her words. The president of the Superior Council of Magistracy, Mr Victor Micu declared that the justice sector reform is not possible without lawyers’ participation. According to him, the dialogue initiated by the Moldovan Bar Association will contribute to the modernisation of the lawyers self-governance. Mr Ion Casian, member of the Parliament, mentioned that the Lawyers Profession needs to be treated with respect for the role it plays in the administration of justice and protection of human rights. At the same, he announced the legislator’s intention to adjust the legal framework on lawyers to European and international standards.

As a result of the round table, participants formulated a number of proposals on amendments to the national legislation and regulations on relations between lawyers, prosecutors, judges; role of the Lawyers profession in policy and decision making processes among other important aspects. Representatives of public authorities and the Moldovan Bar Association agreed on signing colaboration agreements to further the launched dialogue.