The rule of law is a cornerstone of democracy and European Union legitimacy. Yet, deteriorating standards in several member states fuel corruption risks, undermine fair elections and erode mutual trust across the Union. While EU institutions are tasked with safeguarding the rule of law, the European Commission’s Annual Rule of Law Reports still do not assess the EU’s own performance in this area.

To address this gap, the Rule of Law Clinic at the Central European University Democracy Institute in Budapest has produced the second edition of its Shadow Rule of Law Report. The report analyses developments in access to justice, shortcomings in the EU’s anti-corruption framework and emerging problems in the internal market dimension. It also examines how geopolitical dynamics shape the Union’s enforcement of its own laws and institutional standards.

This hybrid Policy Dialogue, co-organised by the European Policy Centre, its Connecting Europe project and the Rule of Law Clinic at the CEU Democracy Institute, presented the report’s main findings and brought together EU policymakers, civil society and academics to discuss the rule of law challenges facing the EU.

Participation is open to EPC members, Connecting Europe partners, the media, and EU officials.