The trainees of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) represented the Republic of Moldova at the contest of the magistracy schools, THEMIS, organized by the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN), during May 14–17, 2024, in Budapest, Hungary. The NIJ team obtained third place at the prestigious contest addressed to future judges and prosecutors, competing with exponents of judicial training institutions from Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Poland, Portugal, and Hungary.
Candidates to the position of prosecutor – Sergei Nazarenco, Andrei Dubceac and Cristian Gurin, under the guidance of tutor Olga Ionas, prosecutor in the Section of Legal Assistance and International Cooperation from the Prosecutor General's Office, participated in Semifinal A: European Union and European Criminal Procedural Law. In the context of the entry into force, on February 17, 2024, at the European level, of the Digital Services Act, which imposes strict standards for the protection of children in the online environment, the NIJ trainees decided to develop, in English, a report entitled Everything starts with simple „Hi” (Everything starts with a greeting). In their report, future prosecutors addressed various problematic issues and corresponding solutions for combating online sexual abuse of children.
During the competition, for 30 minutes, the trainees of the National Institute of Justice presented the chosen topic, followed by a debate session with both, the jury members and members of another randomly chosen team. Their performance was appreciated by an international jury that assessed the quality, originality, critical thinking and perspective of hypothetical solutions, the reference to relevant jurisprudence, as well as communication skills and consistency of exposure.
The National Institute of Justice has also participated in previous editions of the European THEMIS competition. In 2023, the representatives of the NIJ were awarded the Special Prize of the Jury „Fighters for Judicial Integrity in Moldova” and the "Audience Honorary Award”.
The participation of the team of the National Institute of Justice of the Republic of Moldova in this year's THEMIS contest was possible thanks to the financial support of the Justice Reform and Anti-corruption Project (JARA), through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
The European THEMIS competition is held annually and addresses topics relevant to the evolution and adaptation of judicial systems to social and legislative changes in Europe. With the aim of promoting the exchange of knowledge and experience in the legal field between justice professionals from various European countries, the event is an opportunity for young lawyers to test their skills in a competitive environment and improve their knowledge in various areas of law.
