The Commission has published its fifth annual Rule of Law Report which monitors significant developments and takes stock of the rule of law in all EU countries. This shows that the EU is much better prepared than 5 years ago to detect, prevent and address emerging challenges. This means more resilient European democracies, mutual trust in the EU, a well-functioning Single Market and a business environment conducive to competitiveness and sustainable growth.
Each year, the report includes new recommendations for EU countries. 68% of the 2023 Recommendations have been fully or partially addressed, showing that the report has become a real driver of positive reforms. However, in some EU countries, systematic concerns remain and the situation has deteriorated further.
This year’s edition also introduces chapters on Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, to support their reform efforts and ensure continued work on the rule of law in order to further progress towards EU membership.
Main conclusions and recommendations of the 2024 report:
Judicial reforms: Important reforms to strengthen judicial independence have been undertaken. However, systemic concerns about judicial independence persist and specific cases of deterioration have been observed. There is a need for safeguards in the procedures for the appointment of judges, the autonomy of the prosecution service and adequate resources. Anti-corruption frameworks: Corruption remains a major concern, but EU countries are better equipped to combat it: they have increased their resources in terms of the capacity of law enforcement, prosecution authorities and the judiciary. Further measures are needed to strengthen preventive frameworks and ensure effective investigation and prosecution of corruption cases. Media freedom and pluralism: Concrete steps have been taken to improve the safety and working environment of journalists, and the tasks and competences of several national media regulators have been expanded. Concerns about the independent governance or financial stability of public service media, transparency of media ownership, the right of access to public documents, and the transparent and fair allocation of public advertising persist. The recommendations focus on these areas to ensure a free and pluralistic media landscape. Institutional checks and balances: Efforts to improve legislative processes were noted. However, challenges remain, including excessive use of expedited procedures, the quality of lawmaking, and restrictions faced by civil society and human rights defenders. The recommendations aim to strengthen legislative processes and support the functioning of independent authorities.
The rule of law is an integral part of the EU’s very identity and a prerequisite for respecting other values. According to the latest Special Eurobarometer survey, more than 7 out of 10 EU citizens believe that the EU plays an important role in ensuring that the rule of law is respected in their country. Almost 9 out of 10 EU citizens believe that it is important for all EU countries to respect the EU’s fundamental values.
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