Towards a European Semester for the Rule of Law

Five years after the first Rule of Law Report, the toolbox has been significantly strengthened and expanded. Over time, the report itself has also evolved – introducing country-specific recommendations, covering enlargement countries, and improving its methodology. Therefore, the moment has come for an integrated vision: an annual Rule of Law cycle with a common rhythm, clear milestones, and contributions from all institutions, as underlined by the Commission President in her State of the Union address.

Because the rule of law is one of the foundations of our European Union. Yet across Europe we see it coming under increasing pressure. What once seemed self-evident now requires our constant vigilance and renewed commitment.

This event will be the occasion to take stock of the first five years of the Rule of Law Report, to reflect on its complementarity with other instruments, and to present the idea of a renewed and improved mechanism: the European Rule of Law Semester. This framework would introduce fixed milestones, contributions from all EU institutions, and clear consequences whenever worrying findings emerge.