The European Commission’s latest report on the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism for Romania’s justice system, established to pave the way for the country’s inclusion in the Schengen Area, has concluded that the government in Bucharest has fulfilled seven of the 10 recommandations contained in the previous report. However, it also notes that, although the rule of the constitution has been restored, “commitments on the independence of the justice system have not been implemented.”
In particular, the Commission has highlighted pressure on state institutions, a lack of respect for the independence of the judiciary, intimidation and even „media harassment“ of judges, and has demanded safeguards to guarantee the existence of a free and pluralistic media.