The European Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law Report highlights notable progress across EU Member States and four enlargement countries—Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—while also calling for continued reform. The report evaluates developments in four key areas: justice systems, anti-corruption, media freedom, and institutional checks and balances. It confirms a positive trajectory in many countries, particularly where reforms have enhanced judicial independence and institutional capacity.
However, challenges persist. In several Member States, under-resourced justice systems affect efficiency and quality, while undue influence over the judiciary remains a concern in enlargement countries. On anti-corruption, despite stronger strategies and enforcement mechanisms, gaps in prevention and prosecution remain. Media freedom continues to face threats, including the politicisation of media regulators and concerns over journalists’ safety and ownership transparency.
The report also introduces a new focus on the single market, linking rule of law principles with legal certainty for businesses. It emphasises the importance of sound lawmaking, public procurement, and regulatory stability to promote investor confidence and market integrity.
The Commission urges further dialogue within EU institutions, national parliaments, and civil society to accelerate reform and ensure democratic resilience. It positions the rule of law as essential not just to democratic values, but also to Europe’s economic competitiveness and security.