Today, October 20, 2025, the National Institute of Justice marked the official launch of a new initial training course for future judges and prosecutors. The festive ceremony, which began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Moldova, brought together representatives of justice sector authorities, candidates for the positions of judge and prosecutor, trainers, and NIJ staff members.
The Director of the National Institute of Justice, Ramona Strugariu, addressed the new trainees with a welcoming message, encouraging them to approach this training path with responsibility and dedication: “It is a great opportunity to be part of the institution with the highest level of prestige and excellence in the country in training future judges and prosecutors. You are joining the National Institute of Justice in very complex times, and this historic moment of opportunity lies in our ability to succeed together – through solidarity, courage, and professionalism – in maintaining the course of democracy and defending the rule of law. You are the cornerstone of the European path, through your daily work, the values you embrace, and the knowledge you will gain here, at the National Institute of Justice.”
Messages of congratulations and guidance, emphasizing the important role of the new generation in shaping the future of national justice, were also delivered by the Minister of Justice, Veronica Mihailov-Moraru, the Acting Prosecutor General, Alexandru Machidon, the President of the Superior Council of Magistracy, Sergiu Caraman, the President of the Superior Council of Prosecutors, Dumitru Obadă, NIJ Council member Iuri Lealin, and the Chair of the admission examination committee for criminal law and criminal procedure specialization, Viorel Berliba, PhD habil., Associate Professor, Attorney-at-law.
For the 2025-2027 training period, 12 candidates for the position of judge and 5 candidates for the position of prosecutor were admitted, out of a total of 91 applicants. This year’s admission session was marked by stricter requirements, including the introduction of a minimum average score of “eight” to qualify for admission. The selection process included, in addition to written and oral examinations, supplementary integrity assessments and verification of asset declarations by the competent authorities. The application of these high admission standards resulted in not all available places being filled.
Over the 18 months of study, the admitted trainees will follow a comprehensive program combining theoretical instruction with practical training. The initial training course includes mock trials, practical internships, and interdisciplinary sessions designed to strengthen both professional knowledge and the ethical values of future judges and prosecutors.
Since its establishment, the National Institute of Justice has trained 17 graduating classes, including 266 candidates for the position of judge and 351 candidates for the position of prosecutor.
