The annual report assesses the situation in all 27 European Union countries as well as in four candidate countries. The Commission examines four fixed components: the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, freedom of the press, and checks on governmental power.
Large differences
Although the European Commission sees progress in various areas, the overall picture is uneven. In some countries, important reforms have been implemented, but in many others the same shortcomings persist. This results in significant disparities between EU countries.
The implementation of previous recommendations is also slowing down. Only 47 percent of the recommendations from 2025 have been fully or partially followed up so far. This is considerably less than a year earlier and the lowest rate since 2022. Thus, for the second consecutive year, implementation has slowed.
Promotion
Still insufficient
This is of particular concern because many shortcomings have been mentioned for several years in a row. Across various fields, Brussels notes that earlier warnings have still not been fully addressed. According to the report, additional reforms are necessary in many countries before the rule of law can be sufficiently guaranteed everywhere.
A key focus remains the fight against corruption. Several EU countries have introduced new measures or bodies, but the Commission emphasizes that effective investigations, prosecutions, and judicial rulings remain essential. It also calls for stricter rules against conflicts of interest, greater transparency regarding lobbying activities, and improved oversight of the integrity of officials.
Legislation
The way laws are made also remains subject to criticism. In several countries, emergency procedures are still frequently used or broad public consultations are lacking. Additionally, the European Commission draws attention to the position of civil society organizations. According to the report, they must have sufficient space to carry out their work and participate in public debate.
The Commission also sees vulnerabilities in press freedom and the independence of public media. Political influence, funding, and appointment procedures continue to require attention in various countries according to the report. At the same time, several EU countries are working on better protection of journalists against intimidating lawsuits, but the implementation of these measures is still uneven.
Judiciary
The report contains new recommendations for each EU country intended to serve as guidelines for further reforms. According to the Commission, an independent judiciary, effective fight against corruption, free media, and solid governmental oversight are indispensable for citizens’ trust in democracy and for a stable investment and business climate within the European Union.