Remarks by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen and Commissioner McGrath on the 2025 Rule of Law

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to our College read-out. Today, we adopted the 2025 Rule of Law Report. I will go into its details shortly, together with Commissioner McGrath, and we will take any questions you might have. We also adopted a package of measures concerning chemicals. Executive Vice-President Séjourné and Commissioner Roswall will present these new measures to you immediately after this press conference.

Lastly, we discussed a Strategy on EU Stockpiling and a second Strategy on medical countermeasures. These two files will be adopted tomorrow by written procedure. Executive Vice-President Mînzatu and Commissioner Lahbib will present them to you – here, in this press room, at 10AM tomorrow. With those points covered, let us now move to the main topic of this press conference. We have adopted today the sixth edition of the Rule of Law Report. Commissioner McGrath and I will provide you with an overview of the Report and answer your questions in a moment.

Protecting and promoting rule of law is a major priority of this College. The report comes at a crucial time. Our Union is facing increasing political polarisation, pressure on democratic institutions, challenges on our economies and growing external threats. That’s why the rule of law matters more than ever — not just for democracy, but also for our economy, our security and our credibility as a Union built on values.

This report is the result of a very broad engagement. It is rooted in democratic dialogue and shared responsibility. It is based on a very close partnership with Member States’ authorities. But equally on strong engagement with civil society organisations and other key actors – from professional associations to journalists.

They play a vital role in upholding the rule of law on the ground. Their contributions matter. They bring practical insights and grounded perspectives, reinforcing our assessments. We have a solid method of work – based on dialogue, on support, and encouraging reforms at national level. And this method works. The latest report confirms positive trends across many member states. We’re seeing consistent progress in areas like judicial independence, anti-corruption efforts, media freedom and diversity, and robust institutional checks and balances.

The yearly assessment of the rule of law is fostering necessary reforms and cultivating a more robust culture of open dialogue. It’s encouraging to note that over half of the 2024 recommendations have been either fully or partially implemented this year. At the same time, let’s be clear: challenges persist across all Member States, though in different forms and to different degrees.

These concerns include issues with fairness in the justice system, major corruption, weak rules for integrity frameworks, problems with protecting journalists, and pressure on civil society. To uphold the rule of law is a permanent process. No country is immune to challenges – and that’s why this annual dialogue matters. It is about preserving a Union based on shared values, improving the health of our 27 legal and democratic systems, and holding each other to the same standard.

And the same applies also to our enlargement countries. This year, the same four enlargement countries as in 2024 are included in the Rule of Law Report. We will further extend the inclusion of more enlargement countries in the Rule of Law Report as and when they are ready. The Rule of Law Report is not a static exercise – it is a process of continuous renewal and adaptation, shaped by the evolving challenges facing our Union. That is why, this year, we have added a Single Market dimension.

And this is key. The rule of law is not only the backbone of democracy – it is also a cornerstone of Europe’s competitiveness. A fair and predictable legal environment builds trust. It gives investors confidence, protects and empowers consumers, and allows businesses – especially SMEs – to operate on a level playing field across borders. Without a strong rule of law, the Single Market simply cannot function effectively.

By adding the Single Market dimension to the Rule of Law Report, we are recognising that legal certainty, independent regulators, and the fair enforcement of rules are not abstract principles – they are practical everyday necessities. This new focus helps identify and address rule of law issues that directly impact how companies invest, compete, and grow in Europe.

Looking ahead, we are also strengthening the link between the Rule of Law Report and EU funding. This means stronger safeguards, a link between recommendations and financial support, and greater accountability. And we’re not stopping there.

Later this year, the Commission will present the European Democracy Shield – an important initiative to support resilient democracies in the EU. Our aim is to promote and strengthen democratic institutions, fair elections, free media, and citizen engagement. And we will also present the EU’s first-ever Civil Society Strategy – to promote and protect civil society organisations across the Union.

Finally, with this Rule of Law report we are now launching the new cycle. The Commission invites the Council and the European Parliament to engage in both general and country-specific debates. And we strongly encourage continued dialogue at national level — involving parliaments, civil society, judiciaries, and citizens. Because the rule of law is not a one-off exercise. It is a continuous commitment. And while no Member State is perfect, progress in each one strengthens the Union as a whole.

Together – through reform, cooperation, and open dialogue – we safeguard what unites us: the rule of law, democracy, and trust in our European Union. And before giving the floor to Commissioner McGrath, I would like to thank him for the very close cooperation, and for his relentless work and commitment on this key dossier for our Union. Thank you.

Source: European Commission
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