An effective rule of law means we can enjoy independent justice systems, impactful anti-corruption rules, a free and pluralistic media, and strong checks and balances that protect our rights and sustain our trust in public institutions and democracy. It also provides the legal certainty that supports investment, competitiveness, and economic growth. As in previous years, the 2026 European Commission Rule of Law Report shows how well the rule of law is holding up across the EU as well as four potential EU members: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
Overall, the report confirms a broadly positive trajectory, showing continued progress in many EU countries, with significant reforms completed or underway. While some challenges persist and progress is uneven, the report and its recommendations are continuing to drive reform and change in all monitored countries.
Key findings
Justice systems
Many EU countries have advanced on justice reforms over the past year. Measures undertaken include strengthening the independence of Councils for the Judiciary, additional safeguards for judges' appointments and disciplinary procedures, and strengthening the autonomy of prosecution services.
Anti-corruption
All EU countries are now introducing, with the support of the Commission, the new EU Directive on combatting corruption, that creates a framework to prevent, detect and sanction corruption in the EU.
Several EU countries have also developed new anti-corruption strategies and strengthened their institutional capacity to fight corruption.
Media freedom and pluralism
Reforms are under way in EU countries to align their national laws with the European Media Freedom Act.
Several EU countries are strengthening the independent functioning and financing of public service media and ensuring fairness and transparency in the allocation of state advertising.
Journalist safety remains a priority of the Commission which is updating its Recommendation on the safety of journalists.
Many EU countries are taking concrete steps to address the phenomenon of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), and the Commission continues working with them to support the transposition and implementation of the anti-SLAPP Directive.
Institutional checks and balances
In some EU countries, shortcomings persist regarding the excessive use of emergency legislative procedures and the lack of stakeholder involvement.
Many EU countries continue to ensure an enabling and supportive framework for civil society and sustain efforts to further improve their operating environment. However, civil society actors in several EU countries continue to report challenges in several EU countries, including limitations to funding and peaceful assembly.
The Report emphasises the impact of the rule of law in all these sectors for the functioning of the single market and the operating environment for businesses.
The Commission calls on EU countries to address the challenges identified in this year’s report and stands ready to support the implementation of the recommendations.
For more information
Flash Eurobarometer 584 on EU challenges and priorities
- Publication date
- 17 July 2026
- Author
- Directorate-General for Communication