The Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), in partnership with the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova, organized the Public Presentation Event of the Constitutional Codex (2nd edition) on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova.
The launch event brought together prominent public figures, including Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, Veronica Mihailov-Moraru, Minister of Justice, judges of the Constitutional Court, co-authors of the Constitutional Codex, as well as representatives of the legal profession, non-governmental organizations, and academia.
In her opening remarks, the President of the Constitutional Court, Domnica Manole, emphasized the importance of the event not only as a celebration of the institution’s 30 years of activity but also as a moment of reflection on the Court’s essential role in the rule of law framework. “Today, we are launching the two volumes of the Constitutional Codex, which contain the Romanian-language version of the constitutions of EU member states and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova. Each Constitution is preceded by an introductory presentation. On this occasion, I congratulate the authors of the Codex. I am confident that these two volumes will be useful to practitioners and researchers in the field of constitutional law in the Republic of Moldova. In the presentation of the Moldovan Constitution, we highlighted the role of the Constitutional Court in the country’s path toward European Union membership,” stated the President of the Constitutional Court.
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In her speech, President Maia Sandu underscored the significance of the moment and extended congratulations to the Constitutional Court: “I congratulate the Constitutional Court on three decades of activity and wish the judges courage and strength in their crucial mission of defending democracy and the rule of law.” She also welcomed the inclusion of Moldova’s Constitution in the Codex: “This inclusion reflects our determination to advance toward EU accession and strengthen democracy. However, we know that a solid democracy is not based solely on written laws—it must be defended daily. A strong rule of law means an independent judiciary, a determined fight against corruption, and safeguarding democracy against manipulation and deceit.”
Veronica Mihailov-Moraru, Minister of Justice, stated: “The Constitutional Codex, for which I signed the preface, offers a detailed analysis of each Constitution from a historical perspective, presents the fundamental rights recognized by each state, the structure of state authorities, and the relationship between national and European law. Its publication comes at a historic moment for the Republic of Moldova, marking the opening of EU accession negotiations. Citizens will better understand the functioning and organization of European democratic states and become more aware of the importance of respecting fundamental human rights.”
Below are some key statements from the authors of the Codex:
Professor Dr. Ștefan Deaconu, Center for Constitutional Law and Political Institutions, University of Bucharest: “The Constitutional Codex is a pioneering work in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, bringing together in a single document the Romanian-language text of the constitutions of all EU member states, accompanied by a brief commentary by the authors. In addition to translating the fundamental laws, we provide a concise presentation of the 29 constitutions, following a common structure. Establishing common presentation criteria not only allows for a practical comparative analysis but also highlights key constitutional issues shared by states on their European integration path. People need to understand these rules because a Constitution is not just a creation of politicians; it represents the identity of a nation. It reflects the past, guides our present, and indicates the future direction.”
Professor Dr. Elena-Simina Tănăsescu, Judge at the Constitutional Court of Romania: “This newly launched edition includes the fundamental law of the Republic of Moldova, not only to acknowledge its status as an EU candidate state but also to confirm the modernity of Moldova’s Constitution and enable its comparison on equal footing with the fundamental laws of all EU member states. The two-volume work facilitates comparative analyses and valuable conclusions. The Constitutions included in the Codex vary in terms of their historical adoption, amendments, and legislative techniques, yet they all regulate political power and enshrine fundamental rights. All of them express democratic values and ideals.”
Robert-Marius Cazanciuc, Vice President of the Romanian Senate: “The first edition of the Codex, published in Bucharest in 2015, was a response to the legislators’ interest at that time, as Romania’s EU accession raised the issue of constitutional revision to align with the country’s new status. Since then, several EU member states have modified their constitutions at an unexpected pace, given the Constitution’s inherent stability. This suggests that societies have undergone significant changes and felt the need for legal responses. Recognizing this, we strongly advocated for the second edition to be launched in Chișinău. Let this Constitutional Codex serve as a foundation for numerous legal analyses, and when real constitutional amendments become necessary, those involved can rely on a solid, well-documented resource, ensuring they act in the service of the people.”
Silviu-Gabriel Barbu, President of the National Citizenship Authority, Ministry of Justice of Romania:“The Constitutional Codex is not just an academic work; it is a contribution to the ongoing legal debate, offering a rigorous perspective on constitutional principles and their evolution in the current European context. This work results from an extensive research and synthesis effort, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the transformations occurring in each state’s fundamental law. In a global context marked by significant political and legal changes, this comparative analysis is not merely theoretical but an essential tool for comprehending the direction of modern democracies. Through this initiative, we aim to move beyond a strictly legal approach and encourage broader reflection on major societal transformations in European states.”
The Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), in partnership with the Center for Constitutional Law and Political Institutions of the Faculty of Law at the University of Bucharest, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of Romania and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Moldova, has published the revised and updated second edition of the Constitutional Codex.
The electronic version of the Constitutional Codex can be accessed in Romanian language here: Volume I here and Volume II here.