The National Institute of Justice hosted, on 26-28 November 2025, the first edition of the National European Union Law Competition, an event that brought together student teams from the main law faculties in the Republic of Moldova. The competition aimed to test theoretical knowledge, develop advocacy skills, and familiarize future jurists with EU law procedures in a competitive setting.
The Director of the National Institute of Justice, Ramona Strugariu, highlighted the importance of preparing new generations of professionals in the context of the Republic of Moldova’s European integration path: “The National Institute of Justice is the backbone – through the training and education it provides – of the rule of law and democracy. I hope we will reach the day when European law becomes an integral part of this country’s legislation, a normality that you will live and practice, embracing European values both in your work and in your everyday life.”
Students from five higher education institutions participated in the competition: the Moldova State University, the “Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu” State University of Cahul, the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy, the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, and the Free International University of Moldova. The competition was structured in two stages. The first stage consisted of a written test assessing the teams’ knowledge of EU law and European institutional mechanisms. The second stage, the oral round, involved analysing a legal case and simulating pleadings before a specialized jury – an exercise designed to strengthen participants’ critical legal thinking and argumentation skills.
Following the jury’s deliberations, the team from the Moldova State University was declared the winner of the first edition of the National European Union Law Competition. The “Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu” State University of Cahul team ranked second, while the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy team placed third. Special awards were also granted for innovative approach, best orator, best legal researcher, and creativity in argumentation.
The awards ceremony took place in the presence of the Minister of Justice, Vlad Cojuhari. He conveyed his congratulations and encouragement to the future legal professionals, assuring them that everyone is a winner in this competition thanks to the experience gained, and emphasizing that both the justice system and the Republic of Moldova need the knowledge, resources, and enthusiasm of young generations anchored in European values.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau for European Integration, with the assistance of EcoVox Group, thanks to the project “Support for EU Integration”, funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany and implemented by GIZ Moldova. Congratulations to the participants and professors, and special thanks to the jury members and all the teams who made this event possible!
