Romanian Govt OKs Justice “Small Reform” Bill

The approval of the draft law follows talks held by President Traian Basescu and High Council of Magistrates (CSM) president Florica Bejinariu on the normative act.

Basescu said Tuesday he would request a special Parliament session in early August, mainly to discuss the law on the National Integrity Agency (ANI). The President said the session’s agenda would also include the bill whereby trials would no longer be suspended on account of exceptions of unconstitutionality, as well as the „law of small reform” in the justice system.

The European Commission released Tuesday its report on Romania’s justice system and recommended the country to take immediate measures to counter high-level corruption. The European Commission said the country didn’t show sufficient political commitments and its progress has important shortcomings, such as legislative amendments weakening the National Integrity Agency.

The EC also recommended Romania to revise the competences of its High Court of Justice and strengthen the role of the country’s National Magistracy Institute.