Brussels: The European Commission on Friday highlighted that while rule of law reforms are ongoing across the European Union, progress remains inconsistent, with some member states advancing more slowly and significant concerns persisting in specific areas. Publishing its seventh annual Rule of Law Report, the EU Commission noted that despite many countries completing or initiating important reforms, longstanding challenges persist, underscoring the uneven nature of progress across different member states and policy areas.

According to Anadolu Agency, the report evaluates developments in all 27 EU member states and four candidate countries, including Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. It covers key areas such as judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, media freedom, and institutional checks and balances. The EU Commission observed that while many member states have strengthened judicial independence by reforming judicial councils, appointment procedures, and prosecution services, the pace of reforms remains sluggish in some countries, with serious concerns persisting in certain cases. Among candidate countries, ongoing judicial reforms are noted, but issues of undue influence affecting judicial independence remain a concern.

The report also highlights that several member states have adopted new anti-corruption strategies and bolstered institutions responsible for combating corruption following the EU's anti-corruption directive. Despite these advances, the EU Commission emphasized the need for further efforts to reinforce safeguards on lobbying and conflicts of interest, as well as to enhance investigations, prosecutions, and judgments in corruption cases.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the significance of the rule of law in maintaining public trust and supporting Europe's economy. "The rule of law builds trust. Trust among citizens. Trust for businesses. It is what makes Europe the best and safest place to live and invest," she stated, highlighting the fundamental role of the rule of law in fostering a stable and prosperous European Union.