Rule of Law Report 2024: with the 5th edition, the EU is better equipped to face rule of law challenges

  The Commission has today, 24 July 2024, published its fifth annual Rule of Law Report, examining systematically and objectively rule of law developments in all Member States on an equal basis. In comparison to the first issue of the Rule of Law Report adopted in 2020, Member States and the EU as a whole are much better prepared to detect, prevent and address emerging challenges. This contributes to the resilience of our European democracies and to mutual trust in the EU. It also contributes to a good functioning of the single market and benefits a business environment that fosters competitiveness and sustainable growth.   Since its first publication in 2020, the report has become a true driver of positive reforms: Two thirds (68%) of the recommendations issued in 2023 have been, fully or partially, addressed. However, in some Member States systematic concerns remain and the situation has further deteriorated. These concerns are addressed in the recommendations of this year's report. There are no recommendations for enlargement countries in this report as recommendations for these countries are issued exclusively in the context of the annual Enlargement Package.     RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ROMANIA   Overall, concerning the recommendations in the 2023 Rule of Law Report, Romania has made:   • Some further progress on completing the process initiated to take into account the recommendations in the opinion of the Venice Commission on the Justice Laws. • Some further progress on ensuring adequate human resources for the justice system, including for the prosecution services, taking into account European standards on resources for the justice system. • Some progress on taking measures, in particular at an operational level, to address remaining concerns about the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences in the judiciary, including as regards corruption offences, taking into account European standards. • No progress on introducing rules on lobbying for Members of Parliament. • No progress on strengthening the rules and mechanisms to enhance the independent governance and editorial independence of public service media taking into account European standards on public service media. • No further progress on ensuring effective public consultations before the adoption of legislation. • Some progress on obtaining the accreditation of a National Human Rights Institution taking into account the UN Paris Principles. On this basis, and considering other developments that took place in the period of reference, and in addition to recalling the relevant commitments made under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, it is recommended to Romania to: • Complete the process initiated in view of taking into account the recommendations of the Venice Commission on the Justice Laws, including through consultations and evaluations in view of further improving the Justice Laws at a next opportunity. • Continue efforts to ensure adequate human resources for the justice system, including for the prosecution services, taking into account European standards on resources for the justice system. • Take measures, in particular at an operational level, to ensure efficient investigation and prosecution of criminal offences in the judiciary, including as regards corruption offences, taking into account European standards. • Introduce rules on lobbying for Members of Parliament. • Step up efforts to strengthen the rules and mechanisms to enhance the independent governance and editorial independence of public service media taking into account European standards on public service media. • Step up efforts to ensure effective public consultations before the adoption of legislation. • Take forward the process for obtaining accreditation for two National Human Rights Institutions, taking into account the UN Paris Principles.