A deterioration in the EU’s rule of law has been observed for years, according to a recent report by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe. The report, which highlights persistent and systemic challenges to democracy indexes related to justice systems, anti-corruption, and media freedom, reveals that all fundamental aspects of the rule of law face similar and deepening challenges.
The report categorizes EU countries into three groups: “stagnators,” where progress is minimal; “sliders,” demonstrating isolated but troubling declines in certain areas; and “dismantlers,” where the rule of law is systematically undermined. Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, and Romania are among the worst-performing countries.
The report highlights several key challenges facing the EU’s rule of law, including:
* A lack of transparency and inadequate protection for whistleblowers
* Weakened checks and balances, with overuse of fast-track legislative processes and political interference in independent authorities
* Restrictions on media freedom, with journalists facing harassment and legal challenges
* Erosion of trust in government integrity due to corruption and a decline in civic space
The report also notes that the EU’s enforcement mechanisms are weak, allowing illiberal trends to fester. The European Commission must strengthen rule of law enforcement by linking it directly to Article 7, budgetary conditionality, and infringement proceedings.
The report’s authors warn that without decisive action, the EU risks further democratic erosion, internal fragmentation, and weakened global standing. They emphasize that safeguarding the EU and the rules-based world requires strengthening rule of law enforcement and addressing systemic deficiencies in justice systems, anti-corruption measures, media freedom, and human rights.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2025/03/17/rule-of-law-deteriorates-across-the-eu-finds-report