Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan welcomed European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath, at the Victoria Governmental Palace on Thursday, with discussions focusing on the main issues related to the rule of law, the functioning of the judicial system and the reforms undertaken by Romania in the European context.

According to a Government press release, the Prime Minister presented the political and institutional context in which the current administration operates, noting that after the Co-operation and Verification Mechanism period 'the responsibilities of the political factor in managing the careers of magistrates were significantly reduced and responsibilities regarding budgets and promotions were transferred to the leadership structures of the judicial system.'

'These changes aimed to strengthen the independence of the judiciary and to restore the institutional balance,' the press release reads.

At the same time, the Prime Minister brought to mind 'the reform of service pensions and the sustainability of the system in the context of budgetary pressures and the milestones set out in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, against the background of significant differences between pensions in the judiciary and the national average.'

'Aspects related to the length of proceedings, the risk of cases becoming time-barred and the need for consistency in court practice were also addressed, as well as the importance of clearer regulations to increase the efficiency and predictability of the justice system,' the press release adds.

In turn, European Commissioner Michael McGrath welcomed the Romanian authorities' constant cooperation within the rule of law process and stressed the importance of constructive dialogue between the European Commission and the Romanian Government.

He highlighted the Prime Minister's important role in supporting and advancing the necessary reforms in alignment with the standards and values of the European Union. The Commissioner also expressed interest in the work of the Committee for the analysis of justice legislation, established by decision of the Prime Minister and coordinated by the Prime Minister's Chancellery, and mentioned the European Commission's willingness to contribute to this endeavour, according to the press release.

The European Commission also voiced readiness to support Romania in implementing the recommendations included in the 2025 Rule of Law Report, particularly with regard to ensuring the effective investigation and prosecution of offences within the judicial system, guaranteeing the independence of high-ranking prosecutors and clarifying aspects related to limitation periods.

The European Commission's interest in ensuring transparency in public office was also underlined.

Romania and the European Commission will continue their dialogue to strengthen an efficient, independent and credible judicial system, the press release also mentions. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Florea; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)