Positive conclusions of the OECD report on justice and the anti-corruption framework in Romania

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, the Superior Council of Magistracy took note of the conclusions set out in the OECD Report – Economic Surveys: Romania (March 2026), which highlights a series of favorable developments regarding Romania’s economic and institutional progress, including aspects related to the judicial system and the anti-corruption framework. Although the report underlines persistent challenges, it identifies several areas in which Romania has made important progress, such as justice and public integrity, which deserve to be noted, according to a press release.

Progress in the fight against corruption

1. Effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions

According to the report, 51% of Romanians believe that there are sufficient effective convictions to deter corruption, representing the second-highest rate among all EU countries.

2. Relatively reasonable duration of corruption trials

The duration of proceedings in corruption cases is relatively close to the European average. The average length of criminal corruption cases in Romania remains only slightly above the EU average, indicating that courts are generally capable of sanctioning corruption within a reasonable timeframe—an essential aspect for the effective enforcement of the law.

3. Favorable perception of anti-corruption efforts

The report notes that Romania has taken important steps to combat corruption in recent years, with 39% of citizens considering these efforts effective. This percentage is above the European average and reflects the significant progress made in strengthening the anti-corruption framework.

The Council recalls that accession to the OECD is a national objective and includes a comprehensive evaluation of the judicial system. The conclusions reflected in the report do not support the public narrative promoted by parts of the media and political environment, according to which the justice system is affected by systemic corruption. Such claims lack factual support and are highly damaging to the image of the judiciary and to citizens’ trust in the ability of the judicial power to deliver fair and high-quality justice for the benefit of society.

Moreover, this false narrative has led over the past year to a sharp decline in public trust in the judiciary, with survey indicators showing a discrepancy compared to the upward trend recorded in previous years regarding public confidence in Romania’s judicial system.

Progress in strengthening integrity and independence in the judicial system

1. Legislative reform in 2022

The report notes that Romania adopted three revised justice laws in 2022, aimed at bringing the judicial system closer to international standards, while promoting the integrity and independence of magistrates through the adopted legislation. The conclusions state that Romania’s efforts to promote judicial integrity are strong compared to the OECD average, and these reforms reflect the country’s commitment to strengthening the separation of powers and judicial independence.

The Superior Council of Magistracy had a major contribution to the adoption of this legal framework, which led to achieving the OECD national objective of creating the legislative conditions necessary to organize the justice system in line with international standards. In this regard, the Council made consistent efforts, submitting proposals and observations during the legislative process, including when issuing the opinions required by law.

2. Solid legal framework for preventing and combating conflicts of interest

The OECD Public Integrity Indicators (PIIs) show that Romania’s anti-corruption efforts and integrity system are largely aligned with OECD standards, with clear rules regarding conflicts of interest.

In several areas, Romania performs above the OECD average, including the management of conflicts of interest, regulation of political party financing, and the framework for protecting whistleblowers.

3. Protection of whistleblowers

The OECD report concludes that Romania has strong legislation for the protection of whistleblowers, in line with EU standards, as a result of the transposition of Directive EU 2019/1937, although practical challenges remain in this area.

A recent amendment to Law no. 319/2024 strengthened the protection of whistleblowers reporting cases of international bribery, demonstrating the intention to further consolidate mechanisms for combating external corruption.

Although the report also highlights areas requiring further analysis and action, and includes recommendations in this regard, the Council considers that these conclusions confirm the correct direction of reforms carried out in the judicial system and reflect the constant commitment of judicial authorities to strengthening the rule of law, judicial independence, and public trust.

The Council will continue to cooperate with all relevant institutions in order to carry out the necessary steps to maintain and consolidate these standards, for the benefit of citizens and for an efficient, credible, and predictable justice system.

Source: juridice.ro