EU’s Rule of Law Report Shows Marked but Uneven Progress Across Central and Eastern Europe

The EU Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report says the overall direction across member states is “broadly positive,” with reforms in justice systems, anti-corruption, and media freedom generally advancing. It highlights continued progress such as strengthened judicial safeguards and steps to align laws with the European Media Freedom Act. Yet it warns improvements are uneven across policy areas and countries, with remaining concerns including weak checks and balances, emergency rule-making, and difficulties for civil society. The report also reviews four candidate countries—Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.