Rule of law is laid down in the EU treaties as one of the values on which the Union is based. It means that governments should be bound by law&nbsp;not to take arbitrary decisions, and that citizens should be able to challenge their actions in independent courts.

It also enshrines the fight against corruption, which unfairly favours some to the detriment of others, and the safeguarding of media freedom, thus ensuring that the public is properly informed about the work of government.

The EU has existing tools at its disposal to protect the rule of law. In&nbsp;September 2020, the European Commission published the first annual rule of law&nbsp;report monitoring both positive and negative developments with regard to the rule of law in all member states. In July 2021 the second edition of the report was published.

There is also&nbsp;dialogue on the rule of law in the Council.

If the Commission deems that a member state is violating EU law, it can start infringement proceedings that may lead to financial sanctions determined by the European Court of Justice. Another procedure, under Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union, allows the Council to make recommendations or decide by unanimity on sanctions against a member state, including the suspension of membership rights.&nbsp;MEPs have argued that existing tools are insufficient.

​Under the new regulation, effective from January 2021, EU budget payments can be witheld from countries where established breaches of the rule of law compromise management of EU funds. At the same time, the EU ensures that final beneficiaries do not end up paying the bill.

Rule of law

Under Article 2 TEU, the EU is founded on the shared values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights.

Article 7 TEU establishes two mechanisms (preventive and sanctioning mechanisms) to enforce European Union values in cases of systemic violations and to sanction Member States departing from them. The sanctions mechanism empowers the Council to suspend certain membership rights of a Member State, including voting rights in the Council in cases of a 'serious and persistent breach' of EU values (Article 7(2) TFEU)’. However, these mechanisms require a high decision-making threshold in the Council and in the European Parliament (when Parliament is called to participate) and rely heavily on Member States’ willingness to take action.

Rule of law - 8th parliamentary term

On the 16th October 2017, the Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb explosion. Ms Caruana Galizia gave to the Committee of Inquiry into Money Laundering, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion (PANA) evidence about her work on the Panama Papers at a meeting in February 2017 in Malta.

Every day journalists risk their lives to help keep us informed. Freedom of Press is considered to be an essential element of democracy by the European Parliament, which strongly supports it within the EU and beyond. Article 11 of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights clearly states that “freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected”.

Press freedom in Malta (2019-2020)

Every day journalists risk their lives to help keep us informed.

Freedom of Press is considered to be an essential element of democracy by the European Parliament, which strongly supports it within the EU and beyond. Article 11 of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights clearly states that “freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected”.

Press freedom in the EU (2019- 2020)

MEPs debate and vote on a report prepared by the European Parliament's special committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS), outlining concrete recommendations to protect the EU's democratic institutions from malicious interference, hybrid attacks, and disinformation campaigns. The draft text supports the creation of a centralised EU entity to combat these threats, stressing it should have a clear mandate and budget. MEPs emphasise the importance of protecting free and independent media, enforcing existing digital rules, and reducing reliance on foreign-controlled technology in critical sectors. The report addresses critical infrastructure protection, digital sovereignty, civil society resilience, and civilian preparedness. 
MEPs identify Russia, Belarus, China, Iran, and North Korea as threats to Europe's democratic integrity and propose measures such as expanded sanctions on enablers of disinformation and protection of electoral integrity, including classifying Europe's electoral infrastructure as critical. The draft report also calls for close cooperation with candidate and partner countries.

Plenary debate on findings and recommendations of EUDS Special Committee

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The delegation is composed of five political groups in the European Parliament. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders.

LIBE/DRFMG delegation in Slovakia

A delegation of the Civil Liberties Committee travels to Budapest to look into developments in Hungary around EU values, judicial independence, media and academic freedom, transparency and anti-corruption measures, the situation of civil society, and the rights of LGBTIQ persons, since the committee’s last visit to the country in October 2021. MEPs meet with members of parliament (MPs) and representatives from the government, the judiciary, and local authorities, as well as from civil society across all areas of concern. Press conference on Wednesday at 14.30, local time.

LIBE delegation in Budapest

Parliament, Council, and Commission  discuss Hungary’s restrictions on the right of assembly and the announced ban on the Budapest Pride march.

On Wednesday, the European Parliament assesses the state of fundamental rights in Hungary after the pro-government majority changed the law on public assemblies in March 2025, enabling authorities to classify pro-LGBTIQ+ gatherings as violations of the Child Protection Act and consequently ban the Budapest Pride march. MEPs are set to argue that this limitation of the rights of assembly and expression is a direct violation of the basic human and civil rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and the core values of the Union.

In 1997, Budapest became the first capital of a former Communist bloc country to host a Pride march, a landmark moment for equality and freedom. However, Hungary’s government has been taking regressive steps for many years, dismantling institutions, the rule of law, and freedom of expression, to the point where Parliament can no longer consider the country a full democracy. In January 2024, MEPs once more urged the Council to unblock the process to assess Hungary’s “serious and persistent breaches of EU values”.

EP Plenary debate on the threats to fundamental rights in Hungary

Parliament quizes the Council and the Commission about how they intend to address the controversial reform proposals made by Robert Fico’s government. 

MEPs are expected to reiterate concerns about the Slovak government’s plans for criminal code reform and changes in the functioning of the country’s public-service media. MEPs say the ongoing reform, which led to the dissolution of Slovakia’s Special Prosecutor’s Office on 20 March and reduces penalties and limitation periods for financial crimes, threatens Slovakia’s ability to fight corruption and protect the EU budget. They are also likely to stress that the plans for the public broadcaster will have to be assessed in light of the EU’s recently-adopted Media Freedom Act. The proposed Act on Slovak Television and Radio is facing widespread criticism for giving the government direct control over public media, and curtailing their independence.

Plenary debate - Rule of Law in Slovakia

MEPs quiz Council and Commission representatives on the premature release of frozen EU funds, the lack of progress in the Article 7 procedure, and other threats to EU values.

MEPs discuss the President’s decision (based on a recommendation of the Committee on legal Affairs) to ask the Court of Justice of the EU to clarify the Commission’s role in and margins of discretion around the unfreezing of EU cohesion funds for Hungary. They will also look into the continuing threat to EU values, institutions, and funds posed by the Hungarian government, including the lack of progress on the Article 7(1) procedure initiated by Parliament in 2018. Last January, MEPs asked the European Council to determine whether Hungary has committed “serious and persistent breaches of EU values” under the more direct Article 7(2) procedure.

MEPs are likely to raise the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of EU (in the second half of 2024), Hungary’s repeated abuse of the right of veto and blackmail in the European Council, and the Commission’s launch of an infringement procedure concerning the country’s “sovereignty law”.

Plenary debate - Hungary: threats to rule of law.

The impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption is debated with Commission and Council. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations. Prime Minister Robert Fico wants the draft law to be adopted under the urgency procedure. Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová has already said she would veto the law. Critics have warned that dismantling the special prosecutor’s office could have an impact on the ongoing investigation into the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in 2018.

Debate - Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law

EP Plenary session - Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights

EP Plenary session - Commission’s 2021 Rule of Law report

EP Plenary session - Key debate - Ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Poland and Hungary

EP Plenary session - Ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Poland and Hungary

Press conference - The Hungarian elections and implications for the rule of law

European Council - Arrival of Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation to the European Council

Ukrainian Flag is raised inside the EP building in Brussels

Rapporteur Tomas TOBÉ (EPP, SE) and Nathalie LOISEAU (RE, FR), Chair of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield hold a press conference on the EUDS draft report on findings and recommendations. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check agaisnt delivery.

Press conference by Tomas TOBÉ (EPP, SE), rapporteur and Nathalie LOISEAU (RE, FR), Chair of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield on the EUDS draft report on findings and recommendations

Rapporteur Hannah NEUMANN (Greens/EFA, DE) holds a press conference on countering transnational repression.

Press conference by Hannah NEUMANN (Greens/EFA, DE), rapporteur on Countering transnational repression

MEPs vote on different topics such as urgent procedure requests; Waste exports to Switzerland; Waiver of immunity for Attard, De Meo, Martusciello, Minchev; Customs duties adjustments for US goods; AI regulation simplification; Farmers' position in food supply chain; Coal and Steel Treaty implementation; European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Belgium; European political parties and foundations report; Strategy against transnational repression; Trade's role in EU economic security; Development cooperation for irregular migration

Voting Session

MEPs vote on the following reports: EU–Uzbekistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement / International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives: amendment of Article 36 / United Nations Convention against Cybercrime / EU–Lebanon Agreement on cooperation between Eurojust and the authorities of Lebanon competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters / EC–São Tomé and Príncipe Fisheries Partnership Agreement (2025–2029): Implementing Protocol / EU–Cook Islands Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (2025-2032): Implementing Protocol / EU–Canada Agreement laying down the conditions for the participation of Canadian legal entities and products originating in Canada to procurement under the SAFE Instrument / Rule of law, fundamental rights and misuse of EU funds in Slovakia: the need for an EU response

MEPs vote on the Situation of fundamental rights in the European Union in 2024 and 2025 - Strolenberg (A10-0042/2026) / The Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law report - Arvanitis (A10-0091/2026) / Monitoring the application of European Union law in 2023, 2024 and 2025 - Žalimas (A10-0037/2026) / Protection of EU companies, jobs and products against unfair competition from third countries / Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified soybean MON 94637

Voting session: Situation of fundamental rights in the European Union, Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law report, Application of European Union law, Protection of EU companies, jobs and products, Genetically modified soybean

Rapporteur Anna STROLENBERG (Greens/EFA, NL) holds a press conference on the evolution situation of fundamental rights in the European Union throughout 2024 and 2025. She will discuss elements highlighted by the report of the same name, among them challenges affecting democratic standards in Member States. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Anna STROLENBERG (Greens/EFA, NL), rapporteur, on the Situation of fundamental rights in the European Union in 2024 and 2025

This video shows a press conference held by rapporteur Konstantinos ARVANITIS (The Left, EL) on Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law report: Parliament’s annual assessment. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Konstantinos ARVANITIS (The Left, EL), rapporteur on the Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law report: Parliament’s annual assessment

Closing statements Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, and Marilena RAOUNA, Cypriot Deputy Minister for European Affairs, after the plenary debate on the rule of law, fundamental rights and misuse of EU funds in Slovakia - the need for an EU response.

Rule of law, fundamental rights and misuse of EU funds in Slovakia: closing statements by Michael MCGRATH European Commissioner for Democracy Justice Rule of Law and Consumer Protection and Marilena RAOUNA Cypriot Deputy Minister for European Affairs

EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights (T)

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