Rule of law is laid down in the EU treaties as one of the values on which the Union is based. It means that governments should be bound by law&nbsp;not to take arbitrary decisions, and that citizens should be able to challenge their actions in independent courts.

It also enshrines the fight against corruption, which unfairly favours some to the detriment of others, and the safeguarding of media freedom, thus ensuring that the public is properly informed about the work of government.

The EU has existing tools at its disposal to protect the rule of law. In&nbsp;September 2020, the European Commission published the first annual rule of law&nbsp;report monitoring both positive and negative developments with regard to the rule of law in all member states. In July 2021 the second edition of the report was published.

There is also&nbsp;dialogue on the rule of law in the Council.

If the Commission deems that a member state is violating EU law, it can start infringement proceedings that may lead to financial sanctions determined by the European Court of Justice. Another procedure, under Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union, allows the Council to make recommendations or decide by unanimity on sanctions against a member state, including the suspension of membership rights.&nbsp;MEPs have argued that existing tools are insufficient.

​Under the new regulation, effective from January 2021, EU budget payments can be witheld from countries where established breaches of the rule of law compromise management of EU funds. At the same time, the EU ensures that final beneficiaries do not end up paying the bill.

EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights (T)

EU - Poland (T)

EU - Hungary (T)

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rule of law

Multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 (T)

Rule of law

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EP Plenary session - Joint debate - Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights in Hungary and Poland

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Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

LIBE

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Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: Closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: MEPs debate

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: Opening statements by Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation, and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: extracts from the debate

Ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Hungary to strengthen Rule of Law and its budgetary implications: Closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State

Ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Hungary to strengthen Rule of Law and its budgetary implications: MEPs debate

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Russia's undemocratic presidential elections and their illegitimate extension to the occupied territories: MEPs debate

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Press conference by Sophie IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), rapporteur on Parliament's report on the Commission’s 2023 Rule of Law report

Voting session

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