The rule of law across the European Union is deteriorating, with several member states actively weakening democratic safeguards, according to the latest annual report from the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties). The decline is concentrated among the newer members in the east of the 27-member bloc. 

The 2025 edition of the report highlights systemic efforts in certain countries to undermine the judiciary, suppress media freedom and restrict civic space, with Hungary singled out as a country where democratic standards have collapsed to a level that would prevent its accession to the EU today. There are also strong deteriorations in Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Slovakia, as well as Italy, the only western EU member to experience such a decline. 

The report, compiled with input from 43 civil rights organisations across 21 EU countries, shows that while some countries have made efforts to reverse democratic backsliding, others are accelerating its descent, posing a growing challenge to the EU’s ability to enforce its fundamental values.

Systematic erosion 

Hungary stands alone in the report, with its government continuing to implement laws that weaken judicial independence, restrict media freedom and silence civil society organisations. "Hungary belongs in a category all on its own, where democratic standards have degraded to such a degree that it would not gain access to the EU today," says the report. 

“The state of checks and balances has been at an all-time low for years,” it adds, citing the overwhelming concentration of power in the hands of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party.

Despite pressure from the European Commission, Hungary has resisted meaningful reforms. While it has introduced changes to its anti-corruption framework in an effort to unlock EU funding, Liberties describes these measures as insufficient. The country’s media remains tightly controlled, with independent outlets facing increasing restrictions. New laws, including the Sovereignty Protection Act, have further constrained the ability of NGOs and journalists to hold the government accountable.

Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Romania and Slovakia were identified as countries where governments are systematically eroding democratic institutions. In each case, a combination of legislative changes, political interference, and restrictions on civil liberties have weakened the rule of law.

In Bulgaria, political instability has left key state institutions in limbo. “With 20 agencies operating under expired mandates and partisan bargaining stalling new appointments, the system of checks and balances is deeply compromised,” the report warns. Corruption remains endemic, with anti-corruption agencies reportedly being used as political tools rather than independent oversight bodies. Meanwhile, a newly adopted law targeting so-called ‘propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation’ has severely restricted the ability of NGOs to work in schools.

Croatia’s judicial system has been undermined by political manoeuvring, with the selection of a new State Attorney General raising concerns over conflicts of interest. Liberties also points to amendments in the criminal code that threaten whistleblowers and a failure to implement measures to prevent strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), which are used to silence journalists and activists.

In Romania, the government’s failure to safeguard electoral integrity and prevent political interference in the media has fuelled extremism and political polarisation. “The Romanian checks and balances system showed it is very vulnerable to misinformation and interference in electoral campaigns,” said the report. "Institutions have shown they were not able to foresee and prevent a rise in extremism and polarisation of Romanian society.” 

There has also been a marked increase in threats against journalists, while efforts to establish an independent public service media remain stalled.

Slovakia has seen a dramatic rollback of anti-corruption measures under its current government. Recent legislative changes have weakened the ability of prosecutors to investigate high-level corruption, including the abolition of the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the National Criminal Agency. “Instead of strengthening independent investigations, the government has taken steps to dismantle key institutions designed to tackle corruption,” the report said. Fast-track legislative procedures have also been widely abused, allowing controversial laws to pass without public scrutiny.

Media freedom under attack 

A recurring theme throughout the report is the shrinking space for civil society and independent media across Europe. “Media freedom showed the most regression,” the report warns, noting continued political interference in public broadcasters and declining transparency in media ownership. Governments in multiple countries have also intensified smear campaigns against NGOs, using them as justification for funding restrictions and legal constraints.

Despite these challenges, the report also highlights signs of resilience. Civil society organisations, independent courts and investigative journalists continue to push back against authoritarian tendencies. In Poland, for instance, the new government has made efforts to restore judicial independence and media pluralism, though progress remains slow. The report also singles out Estonia and the Czech Republic for their focused initiatives to bolster the rule of law.

In response to the findings, Liberties called on the European Commission to strengthen its rule of law monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, linking them to financial penalties and legal action where necessary. “The EU must act decisively to reinforce democratic institutions before further erosion becomes irreversible,” the report concludes.