In its assessment of the European Commission’s 2023 Rule of Law report endorsed by the Committee on Civil Liberties in January, Parliament takes note of some concrete positive developments, including the new Polish government’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law and media freedom, whilst highlighting persistent threats to democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights as well as specific problems or incidents in several EU member states.

The text was adopted with 374 votes for, 113 against and 45 abstentions, following a debate in plenary, on Wednesday afternoon.

Problems with justice, corruption, and media freedom

Parliament notes the differences across member states in terms of judicial independence, especially regarding the appointment of high-level judges, including in Hungary. MEPs are concerned about proposed changes in Slovakia’s institutions and media landscape, as well about the proposed amnesty law in Spain. Corruption remains a significant concern for…