SMALL reform law – BIG impact

President Basescu promulgated a law on speeding up judicial procedures on Monday. This has been termed ‘the small reform law’, but its significance is big, and its adoption is very welcome news.

Over this summer, Romania took a number of steps to reform of its justice system and tackle corruption. This latest one will support their early implementation. The new law will reduce the workload of High Court of Cassation and Justice Judges as well as the workload of tribunals in order to increase the efficiency of judicial proceedings in criminal matters. It should improve the enforcement of judgements in civil matters and eliminate unjustified delays by simplifying the appointment of Court panels, allowing for cases to be heard in a short timeframe, and reforming the appeal procedure.

The small reforms law is also an essential step in preparing the way for the full implementation of the new Civil and Criminal Procedure Codes, which is expected in 2011. So I expect this ‘small law’ to have a big impact in providing a more transparent and effective Court system in Romania. This is crucial for the UK as well: a fully functional judicial system and a favourable business environment are essential for increasing British investment in Romania.