Summary:
Report published by the European Commission on 24 July 2024, assessing the situation in the European Union (EU) as a whole and in each Member State as regards the rule of law.
Further information:
The annual Rule of Law Report is at the centre of the Commission’s Rule of Law Mechanism. This is yearly cycle aimed at promoting the rule of law and preventing problems from emerging or deepening further. It aims to improve understanding and awareness of issues, identify challenges and support countries in finding solutions. It also allows Member States to exchange best practice, discuss among themselves and learn from each other. The objective of the Mechanism is preventive and it is separate from other elements in the EU’s Rule of Law Toolbox. It complements but it does not replace the Treaty-based mechanisms for the EU response to serious rule of law issues in Member States.
The report covers four pillars: national justice systems, anti-corruption frameworks, media pluralism and other institutional checks-and balances. The report also includes specific recommendations to Member States. The Commission’s objective is to assist and support Member States in their efforts to take forward reforms and to identify where improvements or follow-up to recent changes or reforms may be needed, based on continuous dialogue.
This annual report was published by the European Commission on 24 July 2024. It is the fifth annual Rule of Law Report issued by the Commission. The report is accompanied by individual chapters covering the reality in each EU Member State.