Rule of law guarantees fundamental rights and values, allows the application of EU law, and supports an investment-friendly business environment. It is one of the fundamental values upon which the EU is based on.

Following the public debate and reflection launched in April 2019, the Commission has taken action to strengthen the rule of law in the EU.

In a crisis, the Commission can trigger the rule of law framework to address systemic threats in EU countries.

The European rule of law mechanism is a preventive tool, aiming to promote the rule of law and prevent challenges from emerging or deteriorating.

The rule of law is enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union as one of the common values for all EU Member States. Under the rule of law, all public powers always act within the constraints set out by law, in accordance with the values of democracy and fundamental rights, and under the control of independent and impartial courts.

The EU is based on the rule of law: every action taken by it is founded on treaties approved voluntarily and democratically by all EU member countries.

Promoting and protecting your fundamental rights across the EU.

A Europe that protects must also stand up for justice and for the EU’s core values. Threats to the rule of law challenge the legal, political and economic basis of our Union..

Europe’s strength lies in its unity, and this unity is based on our shared democratic values: our commitment to fundamental human rights; the protection of a free and independent press; upholding the rule of law; and equality between women and men, rural and urban, young and old.