Poland, Hungary in spotlight over judicial independence

(BRUSSELS) - Against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EU's annual Rule of Law Report, published Wednesday, highlights lack of action on the issues of judicial independence and corruption.

The third annual Rule of Law Report showcases the importance of upholding democratic values, human rights and the rule of law. It includes an overview of the trends in the EU as a whole and 27 country chapters looking at developments in every Member State since July 2021.

"Rule of law remains a bedrock of democracy," said EC vice-president Vera Jourova.

While this year's report did show progress as Member States make improvements and address rule of law matter, concerns still remain in some Member States, she said, especially when it comes to the independence of judiciary. "Also, for the first time, the report looks into public service media. More safeguards are needed to ensure that the independence of public service media is protected, that public funding is adequate and not used to put political pressure on those media."

This year's report for the first time contains specific recommendations addressed to each Member State. The recommendations are intended to encourage Member States to take forward ongoing or planned reforms and help them identify where improvements are needed.

The report examines developments in four key areas for the rule of law: justice systems, the anti-corruption framework, media pluralism and freedom, and other institutional issues linked to checks and balances.

It shows that rule of law reforms have continued to take place in many Member States to address challenges identified in the previous two editions. At the same time, systemic concerns remain in some Member States, particularly Poland and Hungary.

The report follows-up on challenges identified in previous reports, deepens the Commission's assessment, and includes observations also on issues such as public service media, the use of spyware or the implementation of judgements by the European Court of Human Rights.

2022 Rule of Law Report – The rule of law of law situation in the European Union

2022 Rule of Law Report – Recommendations

2022 Rule of Law Report – Country Chapters

2022 Rule of Law Report - Country Chapter Abstracts and Recommendations

2022 Rule of Law Report – Methodology

2022 Rule of Law Report – Questionnaire

The European Rule of Law Mechanism – Factsheet

The EU's Rule of Law Toolbox – Factsheet

2022 Rule of Law Report – background guide