The rule of law remains one of the European Union’s (EU) foundational values and a central benchmark for both EU Member States and countries on the path toward accession. Respect for fundamental rights, democratic governance, legal certainty, non-discrimination, and accountability constitutes not only a formal requirement under the EU Treaties, but also a substantive condition for trust, social cohesion, and sustainable development. For candidate countries, alignment with these standards is increasingly assessed not only through legislative approximation, but also through the quality of implementation, institutional capacity, and the ability to respond to emerging policy challenges linked to digitalisation, sustainability, and social inclusion.
The analyses in this Annual Insight illustrate how the rule of law is increasingly shaped by developments beyond traditional justice and home affairs policies. They underline the importance of viewing EU integration not as a purely technical exercise, but as a continuous process of safeguarding fundamental rights, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that legal alignment translates into tangible protections for citizens.