The Commission has a number of instruments at its disposal – the so-called Rule of Law Toolbox. Since the challenges to the rule of law vary, so do our tools. Each tool is tailored to the specific situation at hand, and aims at promoting, preventing or responding to rule of law issues.
The rule of law is one of the EU’s fundamental values, guaranteeing democracy and citizens’ rights and freedoms.
The European rule of law mechanism is a preventive tool, aiming to promote the rule of law and prevent challenges from emerging or deteriorating.
Following the public debate and reflection launched in April 2019, the Commission has taken action to strengthen the rule of law in the EU.
In a rule of law crisis, the Commission can trigger the Rule of law framework to address systemic threats to the rule of law in EU countries.