European Commission publishes 2026 Rule of Law Report

The European Commission has published its seventh annual Rule of Law Report, covering all 27 EU member states and four candidate countries: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

The report assesses developments in justice systems, anti-corruption measures, media freedom and pluralism, and institutional checks and balances. It also reviews how countries responded to recommendations issued in the previous year.

According to the Commission, many countries have continued reforms to strengthen judicial independence, appointment procedures and the autonomy of prosecution services. However, progress remains uneven, and concerns about political or other influence over the judiciary continue in some countries.

The report notes that several member states have adopted new anti-corruption strategies and strengthened relevant institutions. It also calls for further action on lobbying, conflicts of interest and the effective investigation and prosecution of corruption cases.

In the area of media freedom, countries are adapting national laws to the European Media Freedom Act. The Commission reports progress on the independence and financing of public service media, while concerns remain about threats to journalists, media ownership concentration and the editorial independence of public broadcasters.

The report also identifies problems involving emergency law-making, limited public consultation, restrictions on civil society funding and barriers to peaceful assembly in some countries.

The Commission plans to use the report and its recommendations when assessing safeguards for the EU budget under its proposed future funding framework. It has called on national governments, parliaments and civil society organisations to continue discussions and address the concerns identified.