Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU’s fifth annual Rule of Law Report highlights progress and persistent issues across member states, recommending reforms in justice, anti-corruption, media freedom, and institutional checks.
What Does the Fifth Annual Rule of Law Report Cover?
The EU Commission has issued its fifth annual Rule of Law Report which observes significant developments and takes stock of the rule of law circumstances in all EU countries. It indicates that the EU is much better ready to detect, prevent and address arising challenges than 5 years ago. This represents more resilient European democracies, confidence in the EU, good functioning of the single market and a business atmosphere that fosters competitiveness and sustainable growth.
Each year, the report includes new proposals for EU countries. 68% of the 2023 suggestions have been, fully or partially, managed, showing that the report has evolved into a true driver of positive reforms. However, in some EU countries, frequent concerns remain and the situation has further deteriorated.
This year’s edition also presents chapters on Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, to keep their reform efforts and ensure persistent work on the rule of law to further progress towards EU membership.
What Progress Has Been Made on Justice Reforms?
Key findings and recommendations of the 2024 report are the following, Justice reforms: Important reforms to support judicial independence have been started. However, systemic concerns concerning judicial independence persist and typical cases of deterioration have been followed. There is a need for protection in judicial appointment procedures, freedom of the prosecution service and adequate resources.
How Effective Are the EU’s Anti-Corruption Measures?
Anti-corruption frameworks: Corruption remains a serious problem, however, the EU countries are more useful at fighting it – they have expanded resources on the capacity of law enforcement services, prosecution management and the judiciary. Further action is required to maintain preventive frameworks and ensure the adequate investigation and prosecution of corruption cases.
What Advances Have Been Made in Media Freedom?
Media freedom and pluralism: Tangible steps were made to enhance Journalists’ safety and working environment, and the assignments and competencies of several national media regulators have been developed. Concerns about the separate governance or financial stability of public service media, clearness of media ownership, the right of access to public documents and the translucent and fair allocation of state advertising last. Recommendations concentrate on these dimensions to ensure a free and pluralistic media landscape.
What Are the Key Recommendations for Institutional Checks?
Institutional checks and balances: Steps to improve legislative processes have been reported. However, challenges remain, including the disproportionate use of accelerated procedures, the quality of law-making, and conditions faced by civil society and human rights defenders. Recommendations seek to strengthen legislative processes and sustain the functioning of independent authorities.
The rule of law is an essential part of the very identity of the EU and a precondition for the respect of other values. According to the most delinquent Special Eurobarometer survey, more than 7 in 10 EU citizens consent that the EU plays an important function in helping to uphold the rule of law in their country. Close to 9 in 10 EU residents think it’s essential that all EU countries respect the core values of the EU.
