The European Commission has published the second EU-wide report on the Rule of Law with a Communication analysis in the EU and the country chapters of the Member States. Besides the positive developments amid COVID-19, the report reflects the challenges on judiciary independence and the situation in the media. It identifies civil society as a key partner for the EU in promoting stronger European rule of law culture. Preparing the report, the Commission discussed the rule of law developments with European networks, national and European CSOs, and professional organizations, which provided written contributions for the report. The report recognizes an enabling environment for civil society and open civil society space. It states that during the pandemic, in some Member States, the authorities provided additional financial support to CSOs. The report also highlights that the pandemic impacted CSOs, limiting the freedom of movement and assembly, the funding, and CSOs’ involvement in designing and implementing COVID-19 measures. Read more here.
Source: European Commission