The report reads that „a trend towards more severe and fewer suspended sentences in DNA cases applied by courts in first instance can be observed in the second half of 2009, however, it is not reflected in the level of final judgments, where the tendency to issue low and suspended penalties generally remains.”
The EC report also mentions the recommendations made in June 2009 by a workgroup regarding the inconsistency and leniency of corruption sentences, adding some measures in this respect have been taken, but they are not yet fully applied.
The report notes trials „remain lengthy”, adding that only a few trials against prominent politicians have reached a first instance decision.
The European Commission also said the exceptions of unconstitutionality continue to delay high-level corruption cases, adding a draft law eliminating the suspension of trial proceedings when unconstitutionality exceptions are raised is still pending adoption in the Parliament.