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EU Rule of Law Report: Five States Declared 'Dismantlers'

4/1/2026

49 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

EU Rule of Law Decline

The 2026 Liberties Rule of Law Report finds a significant regression in the EU's rule of law and labels Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, and Slovakia as "dismantlers."
The report notes stagnation across many states and that 93% of 2025 EU recommendations are repeats.
It cites Slovakia’s deteriorating judiciary and media freedom, a decline in public confidence in judicial systems, and rising attacks on journalists in Croatia and Hungary.

Summary

Ireland's Rule Stagnation

2026 Liberties Rule of Law Report classifies Ireland as a stagnator for failing to uphold the rule of law.
It cites persistent failures to implement EU recommendations and proposals that threaten judicial access and media protections.
The report warns of a potential downgrade in future assessments due to stagnant progress as Ireland prepares for the EU presidency and a UN Human Rights Council bid focused on the rule of law.

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EU Rule of Law Decline

The 2026 Liberties Rule of Law Report finds a significant regression in the EU's rule of law and labels Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, and Slovakia as "dismantlers."
The report notes stagnation across many states and that 93% of 2025 EU recommendations are repeats.
It cites Slovakia’s deteriorating judiciary and media freedom, a decline in public confidence in judicial systems, and rising attacks on journalists in Croatia and Hungary.

1 / 2