The report 'OECD - Economic Surveys: Romania' identifies several areas in which the country has made significant progress, including justice and public integrity, according to the Superior Council of Magistracy.

'The Superior Council of Magistracy has taken note of the conclusions set out in the OECD - Economic Surveys: Romania report (March 2026), which highlights a series of favourable developments regarding Romania's economic and institutional progress, including aspects related to the judicial system and the anti-corruption framework. Although the report underlines persistent challenges, it identifies several areas in which Romania has made significant progress, such as justice and public integrity, which deserve to be acknowledged,' the CSM said in a press release.

The report lists progress made in the fight against corruption:

Efficiency of anti-corruption institutions. According to the report, 51% of Romanians believe there are sufficient effective convictions to deter corruption, the second highest rate among all EU countries.

Relatively reasonable duration of trials in corruption cases, with lengths close to the European average. The average duration of criminal corruption cases in Romania remains only slightly above the EU average, indicating that courts are generally able to ensure punishment within a reasonable timeframe, a crucial aspect for effective law enforcement.

Favourable perception of anti-corruption efforts. The report notes that Romania has taken important steps to combat corruption in recent years, with 39% of citizens considering these efforts effective, a percentage above the European average and reflecting significant progress in strengthening the anti-corruption framework.

The Superior Council of Magistracy recalls that accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is a national objective and includes an overall evaluation of the judicial system.

In the Council's view, the OECD report's conclusions ‘do not support the public narrative promoted by parts of the media and political environment, according to which justice is affected by systemic corruption, such claims being unsupported by facts and highly damaging to the image of the judiciary and to public confidence in the ability of the judicial power to deliver fair and high-quality justice for citizens'.

'Moreover, this false narrative has led over the past year to a sharp decline in public trust in the justice system, with survey indicators diverging from the upward trend recorded in previous years regarding confidence in Romania's judiciary,' the Council added.

Regarding progress in strengthening integrity and independence in the judicial system, the report notes that Romania adopted three revised justice laws in 2022, aimed at bringing the system closer to international standards and promoting the integrity and independence of magistrates.

'The conclusions show that Romania's efforts to promote the integrity of magistrates are solid compared to the OECD average, and these reforms reflect Romania's commitment to strengthening the separation of powers and judicial independence,' the Council stressed.

According to the Superior Council of Magistracy, the OECD Public Integrity Indicators show that Romania's anti-corruption efforts and integrity system are largely aligned with OECD standards, with clear rules on conflicts of interest.

The report also notes that Romania has strong legislation for the protection of whistleblowers, in line with EU rules, following the transposition of Directive EU2019/1937, although challenges remain in practice.

A recent amendment to Law No. 319/2024 has strengthened the protection of whistleblowers reporting cases of international bribery, demonstrating the intention to reinforce mechanisms to combat cross-border corruption.

'Although some areas requiring further analysis and measures are also highlighted, with recommendations in this regard, the Council considers that these conclusions confirm the right direction of the reforms carried out in the judicial system and reflect the constant commitment of judicial authorities to strengthening the rule of law, judicial independence and public trust. The Council will continue to cooperate with all relevant institutions to maintain and strengthen these standards, for the benefit of citizens and of an efficient, credible and predictable justice system,' the Superior Council of Magistracy added. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Eusebi Manolache; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)