“It will also be important to ensure that the process of constitutional reform fully respects the rule of law, the separation of powers and judicial independence and stability, while being based on the widest possible consensus,” reads the CVM report.
The Commission welcomes the steps taken since July, but notes that much remains to be done to fully implement its recommendations.
“The new government has already signaled its commitment to the independence of the judiciary and the supremacy of rule of law in the Institutional Collaboration Agreement between the President and the Prime Minister,” said the EC.
This should be followed by several steps, including the introduction of clear requirements to refrain from discrediting judicial decisions and undermining or putting pressure on magistrates. “The Superior Council of Magistracy should be invited to give an opinion on the relevant provisions.”
Another step should be the revision of existing standards to “safeguard a free and pluralist media while ensuring effective redress against violation of individuals’ fundamental rights and against undue pressure or intimidation from the media against the judiciary and anti-corruption institutions.”
Also, the heads of the Prosecutors’ Office and the National Anticorruption Department should be chosen from a wide range of high quality candidates after an open and transparent process.
The Ombudsman must show uncontested authority, integrity and independence.
Romania must ensure that ministers subject to integrity rulings step down, the EC notes.
Moreover, the Parliament should adopt clear and objective procedures to suspend lawmakers subject to negative integrity rulings or corruption convictions. “Full justification should be given if Parliament does not let normal law enforcement take its course,” reads the report.