EC Vice-President Jourova: Significant problems with rule of law, remain in Hungary and Poland

Significant problems with rule of law, remain in Hungary and Poland, although smaller shortcomings can be found in all member states, European Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová said, presenting the Commission’s annual assessment of the state of the rule of law in the alliance. Czechia has reportedly made progress by introducing beneficial reforms in the judiciary, but has shortcomings in corruption investigations, especially in cases involving high-placed officials.

According to the EC’s report, the member states have partially or fully implemented two-thirds of the EC’s recommendations but further action is needed. The report is based on four pillars: national justice systems, anti-corruption frameworks, media pluralism and other institutional checks-and balances.