Trend Gradual erosion of the rule of law in EU member states

Summary

The report finds that the rule of law is being gradually but steadily eroded in several EU member states. This involves political interference in the judiciary, restrictions on press freedom and tightened procedures. It is happening not only in young Eastern European democracies, where backsliding recurs through autocratic tendencies and institutional undermining, but also in older democracies such as Italy. The most prominent case is the erosion of democracy in Hungary, while in Slovakia the abolition of a special anti-corruption prosecution service, lighter penalties for serious financial crimes and a revision of public broadcasting structures are seen as threats to democratic checks and balances. The report adds that Italy, Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania are also experiencing democratic decline.