Rule of law: MEPs warn of limited progress on Commission’s recommendations

Judicial independence remains vulnerable

Persistent concerns about corruption, media freedom, shrinking civic space

Call for measurable benchmarks, concrete follow-up on recommendations

Stronger and more credible enforcement, use of all available tools

The Committee on Civil Liberties’ report points to deficiencies that affect key democratic safeguards in the EU.

The text, endorsed with 50 votes in favour, 17 against and two abstentions on Tuesday, examines the findings and methodology of the Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law Report, as well as recent developments.

MEPs underline that progress with regards to the Commission’s recommendations remains insufficient, noting that 93% of them are repeated from previous years. They call on the Commission to ensure tangible outcomes, including through clearer benchmarks, timelines, and more systematic follow-up, as well as the use of all available tools to address persistent shortcomings.

Measures for independent, efficient, and impartial justice systems

MEPs stress that access to independent and properly functioning justice systems remains uneven, highlighting ongoing risks linked to political interference, judicial appointments and disciplinary frameworks. They call for sufficient resources for courts and citizens, highlighting that national authorities must ensure meaningful parliamentary oversight of judicial reforms and comply fully with domestic and international court decisions, including those of the Court of Justice of the EU and the European Court of Human Rights.

Concerns about corruption, media freedom, civil society

MEPs point to the need for more credible anti-corruption enforcement, particularly in relation to high-level cases and repeated patterns of impunity. While welcoming the new Directive on combating corruption, they express concern about attempts to weaken specialised bodies in some member states. They call for EU accession to GRECO and for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) to be reinforced.

Regarding media freedom, MEPs warn that journalists and independent outlets continue to face harassment, surveillance (including through spyware), political pressure, and concentrated ownership structures that distort pluralism. They call for full implementation and expansion of the European Media Freedom Act and the anti-SLAPP directive.

Shrinking civic space remains a serious concern, with MEPs pointing to restrictions, funding constraints, and pressure affecting civil society organisations. They stress that any limitations must respect European and international human rights standards.

The report further highlights:

fundamental rights concerns, including religious hatred, racism, xenophobia and other forms of discrimination;

the need for a direct link between the Commission’s findings and the protection of the EU budget, both proactive and reactive;

rule of law scrutiny in accession countries and ensuring coherence with enlargement monitoring;

challenges posed by the proliferation of digital technologies, including online platforms and AI-generated content; and

the single market dimension of challenges to the rule of law, including in public procurement.

Finally, MEPs call for a more transparent and robust methodology for the Commission’s annual report, including more precise benchmarks, better identification of systemic or emerging risks, and Parliament’s stronger involvement.

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Rapporteur Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left, Greece) commented: “Having had the honour to serve as rapporteur, I am delighted to ascertain that the collaboration of the progressive and democratic forces in the European Parliament succeeded in delivering a strong report. Our text seeks to reinforce democratic safeguards for fundamental rights, democratic institutions, journalism, and public participation, and confronts corruption, while addressing the misuse of EU funds and challenges in the separation of powers as key threats to the rule of law. We expect to see the same level of political support and responsibility in the plenary vote, in order to send a strong message that, in turbulent and historic times, the European Parliament will not compromise on its values.”

Next steps

The report is expected to be tabled for a plenary vote during the 27-30 April session in Strasbourg, in anticipation of the upcoming 2026 Rule of Law Report by the Commission.