Romania Vows to Continue Justice Reforms

Romanian officials pledged to continue the fight against corruption and reform of the legal system after the release on Wednesday of a European Commission monitoring interim report.

The report said that Romania must "ensure a more transparent, and efficient judicial process, notably by enhancing the capacity and accountability of the Superior Council of Magistracy."

The report notes the new civil code that came into force in October 2011 and the civil procedure code that is to follow in June 2012.

The National Anti-corruption Directorate, DNA, and the National Integrity Agency, ANI, have continued to carry forward a series of important cases, including a significant number of senior politicians and officials, the report continued.

“The report is mainly positive, showing the progress made in achieving an effective justice system” Justice Minister Catalin Predoiu said in response.

He noted that Romania had speeded up high-level corruption trials and said there had been progress in parliament with draft legislation on extended confiscations.

“On the other hand, the report shows up some problems in the justice system that are affecting Romania’s own credibility. That’s why we are determined to continue reforming the legal system,” Predoiu added.

Two high-level corruption and bribery cases recently concluded in Romania. Former prime minister Adrian Nastase was sentenced to two years in jail for corruption while media owner Sorin Ovidiu Vantu was sentenced to five months' jail for blackmail.

The two men have other pending cases in court that have been trailing for years.

Bucharest is hoping that the signs of progress noted by the European Commission will assist the country's bid to join the EU's borderless Schengen zone.

Another report in July will show whether Romania and neighbour Bulgaria have made enough progress in correcting noted deficiencies in the field of justice.

Romania, which joined the European Union in 2007, has been under constantly evaluation by the European Commission, which aims to ensure the justice system is up to implementing EU laws.

But Romania is still considered one of the most corrupt states in the European Union and has made only limited progress in fighting corruption and organised crime since 2007. Bucharest has drawn repeated criticism from the European Commission for its failure to tackle corruption more effectively.