(Read the full statement on coe.int)

The Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2021-2024 has been officially launched in Strasbourg in presence of Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova and Marija Pejčinović Burić, Council of Europe Secretary General.

The Action Plan aims to improve national legislation, institutions and practices in line with European standards concerning human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Under this plan, the Council of Europe and the Moldovan authorities have agreed to carry out activities to promote reforms in key areas such as the implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights and the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights in Moldova.

Building on the work achieved by previous action plans, measures will be taken to enhance the independence and accountability of the judicial system, develop the capacity of law enforcement and other agencies to respond to corruption and money laundering and improve electoral legislation and practice.

A number of initiatives are aimed at reforming the prison system and promoting alternatives to detention, advancing the compliance with European media and internet governance standards, enhancing data protection, aligning national legislation and practice with anti-discrimination and gender equality European standards as well as strengthening the national child protection framework.