CSM: The U.S. State Department confirms the independence of the judicial system and Romania’s progress in combating corruption

The Superior Council of Magistracy welcomes the findings of the U.S. State Department’s Investment Climate Statement on Romania for 2026, which confirms the independence of the judicial system and significant progress in combating corruption.

The document shows that Romania’s judicial system is independent of the executive branch and notes that Romania met the conditions for lifting the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism, which was officially closed on September 15, 2023. The CSM also cites Eurobarometer data showing that perceptions of the prevalence of corruption in Romania fell from 75% in 2025 to 71% in 2026, equal to the European Union average.

However, the report highlights vulnerabilities that still require attention: the length of some proceedings, the lack of legislative and case-law predictability, difficulties in enforcing judgments, and the pace of digitalization in the judicial system.

Regarding the statute of limitations for criminal liability, the CSM states that the issue was analyzed through Decision No. 1348/2026, based on concrete case-file data. The Council also maintains that, since 2022, no disciplinary action has been initiated against a judge for failing to comply with the High Court’s case law on this matter, and reaffirms the independence of magistrates in adjudicating cases.