European Commission: published the 2026 Rule of Law Report

The European Commission recently published its annual report on the rule of law in Europe. The report analyzes, through four key points, the relationship between the EU legal order and the legal and institutional systems of the member states.

The report is based on four fundamental principles underpinning EU action:

1. The judicial system: assesses the independence and quality of the judiciary;
2. Anti-corruption: analyzes preventive and enforcement measures;
3. Media pluralism and freedom: analyzes the freedom and transparency of the media, the independence of regulatory authorities, and the protection of journalists from threats or intimidation;
4. Institutional checks and balances: analyzes the quality of the legislative process, the role of constitutional courts, and the protection of civic space.

In addition to the 27 member states, this year’s report included four other countries: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, demonstrating how the rule of law is used by the Union as a tool of soft power and convergence prior to a new country’s accession.

The report’s preparation is based on a multilevel dialogue, involving in-person meetings in the various countries concerned, as well as external input gathered through contributions from NGOs, labor unions, judges’ associations, and European organizations.

Each country chapter includes recommendations intended to build upon those from the previous year, ensuring not only continuity but also improvement and consistency. Although this exercise serves as a tool for assessment and monitoring, its mechanisms and chapters provide the factual basis for the EU to exercise its coercive and conditionality functions.