EU report on rule of law

The European Commission's annual Rule of Law Report highlights improvements in EU member states, with 68% of recommendations from 2023 addressed, though concerns persist in some areas. This year, the report includes country chapters on Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, aimed at supporting their EU accession efforts. The Committee on Legal Affairs in the European Parliament is prioritizing rule of law issues, including conflict of interest and potential European Magnitsky legislation to combat corruption. Meanwhile, Greece has made significant progress in judicial independence but still faces challenges, particularly regarding media freedom and public trust in the judiciary, exacerbated by a wiretapping scandal. Hungary's presidency of the EU Council has been marred by concerns over its adherence to EU principles, particularly in light of its actions during the Ukraine conflict. Overall, the report underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law for the EU's unity and effectiveness.