More than two-thirds (68 per cent) of the recommendations issued in the 2023 report have been fully or partially addressed, the report says, though systematic concerns remain in some member states.

The 2024 report also includes, for the first time, four country chapters on developments in Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, which are potential future EU member states.

Věra Jourová, the European Commission’s vice-president for values and transparency, said: “The rule of law is the glue to our democracies and a safeguard of our rights. Without the rule of law our democracies and economies would be in shambles.

“We have been designing the rule of law toolbox for five years in line with our common values and today we are much better equipped to face the challenges. The work on the rule of law report fosters constant dialogue with the member states.

“This year’s report shows that member states have improved and strengthened the rule of law not least by implementing the Commission’s recommendations.

“Unfortunately, concerns remain in several member states in different categories. This means that even more work needs to be done to improve the independence of the judiciary, to effectively fight corruption and to improve the safety of journalists and civil society organisations.”

Didier Reynders, commissioner for justice, added: “Five years after the first rule of law report, we are better equipped to detect, prevent and address emerging challenges to the rule of law.

“We have seen that dialogue can help make important progress. And this is precisely why this report has and will continue to serve as a reference to initiate debates at national level and help drive national reform agendas.

“As today’s findings underline, while there are positive developments, there is still room for improvement. Strengthening the rule of law is a continuous work for all the member states and enlargement countries. I encourage all member states to keep working on implementing the recommendations.”