During 29-30 May 2024, the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the National Institute of Justice of the Republic of Moldova, organised a series of roundtable events, dedicated to judges and prosecutors as well as to the Superior Council of Magistracy and Superior Council of Prosecutors, aimed at discussing the benefits of confidential counselling systems on ethical matters, encountered challenges and future development needs for the Republic of Moldova.  These sessions offered a supportive environment for judges and prosecutors, aiming to promote adherence to ethical principles, prevent misconduct, and uphold the integrity of the judicial and prosecutorial systems. By creating a space for confidential and honest discussion, the Council of Europe aims to reinforce the foundational values of judicial and prosecutorial integrity and ethical conduct.

The ultimate scope of these events was to contribute to the development of a roadmap for establishing confidential counselling systems on ethical matters for judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Moldova in line with GRECO’s recommendations stemming from the 4^th evaluation round. The support was also built on the previous guidance provided by the Council of Europe in 2021 (under the first phase of the project) when an initial assessment was conducted on the availability of counselling mechanisms on ethical aspects for judges and prosecutors.

This support is provided within the framework of the project “Action against Corruption in the Republic of Moldova (Phase 2)”, funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the US Department of State and implemented by the Council of Europe.