Rule of Law Report 2024:

The Commission has published its fifth annual Rule of Law Report, examining systematically and objectively rule of law developments in all Member States on an equal basis.
In comparison to the first issue of the Rule of Law Report adopted in 2020, Member States and the EU as a whole are much better prepared to detect, prevent and address emerging challenges. This contributes to the resilience of our European democracies and to mutual trust in the EU. It also contributes to a good functioning of the single market and benefits a business environment that fosters competitiveness and sustainable growth.

Since its first publication in 2020, the report has become a true driver of positive reforms: Two thirds (68%) of the recommendations issued in 2023 have been, fully or partially, addressed. However, in some Member States systematic concerns remain and the situation has further deteriorated. These concerns are addressed in the recommendations of this year's report. There are no recommendations for enlargement countries in this report as recommendations for these countries are issued exclusively in the context of the annual Enlargement Package.

This year's report includes, for the first time, four country chapters on developments in Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Including these enlargement countries in the Rule of Law Report, the most advanced in the process, will support their reform efforts, help authorities to make further progress in the accession process and to prepare for the continuation of work on the rule of law as a future Member State. 

More than 7 in 10 EU citizens agree that the EU plays an important role in helping to uphold the rule of law in their country, according to a Special Eurobarometer survey published today. Close to 9 in 10 EU citizens consider important that all EU Member States respect the core values of the EU, an opinion stable since 2019. In addition, the feeling of being informed about the EU's fundamental values has improved significantly in many countries: overall, 51% EU citizens feel well informed about the EU's fundamental values and rule of law, compared to 43% in 2019.

The 2024 report, as every year, includes a Communication examining the situation in the EU as a whole and 27 country chapters looking at significant developments in each Member State. The report also includes an assessment of last year's recommendations and, on that basis, provides, once more, specific recommendations addressed to all Member States.

The report covers four pillars: national justice systems, anti-corruption frameworks, media freedom and pluralism as well as other institutional checks-and balances.