The National Institute of Justice was the host of the first national law competition of the European Union

The National Institute of Justice hosted, between November 26-28, 2025, the first edition of the European Union Law National Competition, an event that brought together student teams from the main law faculties in the Republic of Moldova. The objective of the event was to test theoretical knowledge, develop pleading skills and familiarize future lawyers with European norms and jurisprudence, in a competitive setting.

The director of the National Institute of Justice, Ramona Strugariu, highlighted the importance of training the new generations of professionals in the context of the European path of the Republic of Moldova: "The National Institute of Justice is the backbone - through the training and preparation it provides - for the rule of law and for democracy. I want us to reach the day when European law will be an integral part of the legislation of this country, a normality that you will live and practice, assuming European values both in your work and in your everyday life."

Students from five higher education institutions participated in the competition: the State University of Moldova, the "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" State University from Cahul, the "Ștefan cel Mare" Academy, the Academy of Economic Studies from Moldova and the International Free University of Moldova. The competition was held in two distinct stages. The first component consisted of a written test, which assessed the teams' knowledge of EU law and European institutional mechanisms. The second stage, the oral test, involved the analysis of a case and the simulation of pleas in front of a specialized jury, an exercise designed to develop the legal thinking and argumentation ability of the participants.

Following the deliberations of the jury, the team of the State University of Moldova was named the grand winner of the first edition of the European Union Law national competition. The second place went to the team of the "Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu" State University from Cahul, and the third place - to the team of the "Ștefan cel Mare" Academy. Special awards were also given for innovative approach, best orator, best legal researcher and creativity in argumentation.

The award ceremony was held in the presence of the Minister of Justice, Vlad Cojuhari. He sent the future lawyers congratulations, encouragement and the assurance that there are only winners of this competition, through the experience gained, and that both the justice system and the Republic of Moldova need the knowledge, resources and enthusiasm of young generations, anchored in European values.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau for European Integration, with the assistance of EcoVox Grup, thanks to the "Support for EU integration" project, financed by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany and implemented by GIZ Moldova. Congratulations to the participants and teachers, special thanks to the jury members and all the teams that made this event possible!