Over two days, experts from EIPA Luxembourg – European Centre for Judges and Lawyers – conducted a high-level seminar in Chișinău titled “Train the Trainers’ Spring School: Fundamentals of Adult Learning, Modern Training Methodologies, Interactive Sessions and Presentation Skills.” Hosted by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) of Moldova, the event brought together more than 20 experienced judicial trainers.
Organised under the Luxembourg Technical Assistance Programme for Moldova and implemented by EIPA Luxembourg – European Centre for Judges and Lawyers, the seminar is part of broader efforts to strengthen Moldova’s legal and institutional framework in line with European Union accession standards. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Responding to European Commission Recommendations
This training initiative directly responds to recommendations outlined in the European Commission’s 2024 Moldova Report, which emphasised the need for improved training and professional development within the judiciary. As part of the EU candidacy obligations, Moldova is required to demonstrate robust institutional capacity for the effective application of EU law. Systematic training is key to achieving this objective.
“Through this initiative, EIPA is supporting the National Institute of Justice to improve its operations and meet the expectations of the European Commission,” said Juan Diego Ramírez-Cárdenas Díaz, Senior Lecturer at EIPA and one of the key trainers at the seminar.
Equipping Moldova’s Legal Trainers
The Spring School targeted NIJ’s internal and external trainers – all judges, prosecutors, or legal practitioners – responsible for both initial and continuous legal education. The programme was designed to enhance their ability to develop engaging, practical training programmes aligned with EU legal standards and tailored to adult learning principles.
“This is not just about sharing knowledge,” explained Juan Diego Ramírez-Cárdenas Díaz. “It’s about equipping Moldova’s legal educators with the skills to foster critical thinking, facilitate meaningful discussions, and build a training culture rooted in interactive, practice-oriented learning.”
Strengthening Moldova’s EU Path
As Moldova continues its journey toward European Union membership, initiatives like this Spring School are vital to aligning national judicial structures with EU norms. By investing in the professional development of its trainers, Moldova is taking concrete steps to ensure a judiciary that is not only competent but fully prepared to enforce the EU acquis.
