Civil society organizations from across the European Union have called on the European Commission to reinforce its annual Rule of Law Report, arguing that it should play a stronger role in safeguarding democracy, fundamental rights, and the rule of law across Member States.
In a joint statement coordinated by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), organizations stressed that the rule of law extends beyond judicial independence and also encompasses media freedom, civic space, anti-corruption measures, freedom of expression, and the protection of human rights.
The coalition urged the European Commission to issue clearer country-specific recommendations, establish stronger monitoring of implementation, and introduce more effective enforcement mechanisms when governments fail to address persistent rule of law concerns.
The statement also highlights growing pressure on civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and independent journalists in several EU countries, emphasizing the need for the Commission to better integrate civil society input into its annual assessment process.
According to the organizations, strengthening the Rule of Law Report would improve democratic accountability, reinforce public trust in EU institutions, and help ensure that the Union’s fundamental values are consistently upheld across all Member States.
