President Klaus Iohannis declared on Tuesday that Romania has taken a new step on the path of European integration, showing that the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism has ended for our country, according to Agerpres.

„Today is a very important day for Romania, which took a new significant step on the path of European integration. The Cooperation and Verification Mechanism has ended today for our country! We have, therefore, clear confirmation that Romania has made the necessary reforms to consolidate the rule of law and entered the irreversible path of the fight against corruption. The European Commission confirmed a few minutes ago, in the report made public, the progress made by Romania under this mechanism, which means that we are fulfilling the recommendations and objectives set by the CVM, the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism, as established at the time of our accession to the European Union. This is the last CVM report of the European Commission for our country. From now on, Romania will be, like all other member states, monitored only through the comprehensive European Rule of Law Mechanism,” said the president, in a statement made at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace”.

„Romania has demonstrated political will, but above all a strong support from the citizens to correct any deviation from a democratic path and to quickly resume reforms, as has happened in the last two years. I am glad that all these advances have been recorded in today’s CVM Report, because these reforms are essential, first of all, for Romanians. Citizens have the right to an independent, functional, efficient justice system, to a society in which the fight against corruption and integrity are fully assumed objectives,” stated Klaus Iohannis.

The president congratulated the Government, the Minister of Justice, the Parliament and the institutions of the judicial system for these results, expressing his appreciation for the diplomatic efforts, including those of the Permanent Representation of Romania to the European Union, that contributed to the achievement of this objective.

„I also thank the European Commission, President Ursula von der Leyen, for the constant support and for the open dialogue. The dialogue also involved the Venice Commission, which recently found that the essential elements of the Justice Laws package comply with European standards. Today’s report concludes a stage, but our joint efforts, at the level of authorities and society, must continue. I am convinced and confident that the achievements confirmed today by the European Commission will be followed by others, so that the independence and efficiency of justice, as well as the fight against corruption remain irreversible constants for Romania,” Iohannis also affirmed.

Agerpres