On 8 July, the European Commission published its sixth annual Rule of Law Report, marking the beginning of a new institutional cycle and reaffirming the EU’s continued commitment to promoting and defending the rule of law across the Union and beyond. In a time of mounting geopolitical instability and increasing pressure on democratic institutions worldwide, the rule of law remains a cornerstone of the EU’s internal and external action: anchoring trust in public institutions, fostering social cohesion, and sustaining the resilience and competitiveness of the European economy.

This year’s report provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the rule of law in all 27 Member States, as well as in the four most advanced accession countries: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Their inclusion, continued from last year, represents the EU’s growing efforts to support democratic reforms in candidate countries and to ensure a consistent application of rule of law standards ahead of future accession. Reflecting the evolving nature of the Union, the Commission signals its intention to expand participation to additional enlargement partners as they reach the necessary level of preparedness.

The 2025 edition introduces a further emphasis on the Single Market dimension, reinforcing the role of the rule of law as a precondition for economic stability, legal certainty, and investor confidence. A stable and predictable legal environment — underpinned by efficient justice systems, anti-corruption safeguards, independent oversight bodies, and transparent media governance — remains essential for the proper functioning of the Single Market and the EU’s global competitiveness.

Overall, the report highlights steady progress, with 57% of the recommendations from 2024 now either fully or partially implemented. Nonetheless, serious and systemic challenges remain in certain Member States, particularly in areas related to judicial independence, corruption, and media freedom. The Commission calls for a deepened commitment to dialogue and reform and invites the European Parliament and the Council to engage actively with the report’s findings. As outlined in President von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines for 2024–2029, the EU will continue to enhance monitoring, strengthen institutional checks and balances, and reinforce the rule of law as a shared foundation for Europe’s democratic and economic future.

Key texts:  

• European Commission: 2025 Rule of Law report

Upcoming events:   

• 18 July: General Affairs Council
• 23-24 October: European Council

European Movement International’s Position  

In an increasingly fragmented and unpredictable global landscape, it is more important than ever that the European Union remains a steadfast defender of the rule of law. As outlined in our policy position on the “Rule of Law”, the integrity, unity, and credibility of the Union depend on ensuring that democratic institutions function effectively, fundamental rights are protected, and public trust is sustained. The rule of law must not be treated as a secondary concern in the face of global instability — it is a strategic necessity. Only by protecting its democratic foundations can the EU safeguard its cohesion, withstand external interference, and credibly promote its values abroad.

We support the Commission’s decision to strengthen the Single Market dimension of this year’s Rule of Law Report. As we argue in our policy position “Turning Pressure into Power: Rethinking European Competitiveness”, a stronger and more integrated Single Market remains one of the EU’s most powerful tools to boost competitiveness and resilience. The rule of law underpins this: a stable and predictable legal environment provides businesses with the clarity and confidence needed to invest, scale, and compete across borders. Despite progress, substantial barriers remain, particularly in areas such as cross-border services, public procurement, and regulatory enforcement. Removing these barriers must become a political priority, supported by greater accountability, smarter regulation, and meaningful national-level reform. Reinforcing the rule of law across the Single Market is essential to unleashing the EU’s full economic potential and safeguarding its long-term competitiveness.

Defending the rule of law is also critical to strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy and democratic resilience. As outlined in our policy position “Redefining the Transatlantic Partnership: Europe’s Path in a Trumpian World”, the EU must reinforce its internal unity in the face of attempts by external actors to exploit fragmentation or undermine trust in democratic processes. This requires not only institutional safeguards, but also inclusive governance and stronger civic engagement. Participatory democracy, strategic communication, and robust protections for civil society are crucial to building public trust and defending against disinformation and manipulation. Upholding the rule of law across the EU is therefore central not just to democracy, but to Europe’s ability to act coherently and independently on the world stage.

Europe stands at a crossroads. Whether it can lead with strength, values, and vision depends on its ability to defend the rule of law at home and promote it abroad. This must be a collective effort — one that reaffirms democracy not only as a founding principle of the Union but as the path forward in a world of growing uncertainty.