The rule of law is the cornerstone of our democracies. It is also integral for the future of our economies and for Europe’s security. In its latest annual Rule of Law report, the European Commission examines rule of law developments in all EU countries, as well as four enlargement countries – Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. As in previous years, the report is the result of close dialogue with national authorities and stakeholders to strengthen the rule of law. Its findings are an important incentive for reform.
This year’s report confirms that there is a positive trajectory in many EU countries, where important reforms have been carried out in four key areas – justice, anti-corruption, media freedom and institutional checks and balances. Some EU countries are still experiencing challenges, and in a few, the situation is serious. But overall, commitment to strengthen the rule of law remains strong, with a substantial number of the 2024 report recommendations put in place.
Since the rule of law is an important consideration for companies operating across borders, the 2025 report highlights issues that have a direct link with the proper functioning of the single market, such as sound lawmaking and public procurement rules.
Key findings include
- Justice systems – many EU countries have advanced on justice reforms including strengthening the independence of Councils for the Judiciary, additional safeguards for judges’ appointments and autonomy of prosecutors. Yet many countries report a strain on resources for the justice systems, impacting on the quality and efficiency of justice. In the enlargement countries, undue influence and attempts to undermine judges’ independence need to be addressed.
- Anti-corruption frameworks – several EU countries have developed new anti-corruption strategies and strengthened their institutional capacity, including by increasing the resources for law enforcement, prosecution services and the judiciary. However, further action is still needed to strengthen preventive frameworks. The enlargement countries made progress in strengthening legal and institutional frameworks but need to improve the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases.
- Media freedom and pluralism – reforms are under way in EU countries to align national laws with the new rules under the European Media Freedom Act. Increasing attention is given to the safety and protection of journalists, amidst continuing threats. Further action is still needed to address concerns such as safety of journalists, improving safeguards for the independence of some media regulators and public service media, increasing the transparency of ownership and ensuring better fairness and transparency in the allocation of state advertising. In the enlargement countries, there are also concerns about the politicisation of media regulators and the appointment of the broadcasters’ leadership.
- Institutional checks and balances – reforms, such as including stakeholders in the legislative process and improving the quality of legislation, are underway in several EU countries. Obstacles remain in a few EU countries related to funding or registration requirements for civil society. In some EU countries, civil society organisations are facing serious challenges, being subject to excessive financial restrictions or controls or inadequate protection. In the enlargement countries, challenges to legislative processes and ineffective public consultations limit inclusive governance.
- Single market dimension – this year’s report has put a particular emphasis on issues that can affect the proper functioning of the single market or shape the business environment, such as sound lawmaking, public procurement rules and the stability of the regulatory environment.
The Commission has now invited the European Parliament and the Council to continue general and country-specific debates based on this report, and to use the recommendations to further examine how concrete progress can be made. The Commission has also called on national parliaments, civil society and other stakeholders to continue the national dialogue on the rule of law, as well as at European level, with increased citizen engagement.
For more information
2025 Rule of Law Report – Questions & Answers
Protecting our democracy, upholding our values
Source: Progress in rule of law in EU but further action needed, finds report – European Commission
