Romania has made headway in the struggle against corruption but, authorities still have a lot of work to do to reduce high-level corruption. This is the conclusion drawn in the CVM report made public yesterday.
The European Commission has praised this country's progress in the Judiciary. However, the report underscores some problems in key areas, which Romania must tackle them as soon as possible.
The Romanian Parliament is harshly criticized in the latest Co-operation and Verification mechanism report. In 2015, the Parliament refused about one third of the DNA requests to have the immunity of MPs lifted.
The Parliament's response to DNA requests lacks a clear and consistent motivation, in particular for refusals, the document points out.
The report praises the Anticorruption prosecutors and the National Integrity Agency, as well as the activity of Higher Council of Magistrates. The tragic fire at the Collective Club is also seen as clear evidence of widespread corruption in Romania.
Last year's change of government is also mentioned in the European Commission's report.
The CVM report also makes several recommendations to Romanian authorities. One emphasizes that integrity issues must prevail in the appointments to senior positions in the Judiciary and the need for a more robust and independent system of appointing top prosecutors.