The EU flag, with Lady Justice in the middle

One of the founding principles of the European Union is respect for the rule of law.  

And in practice, EU countries are often leading the way on rule of law performance around the world. In 2023, eight out of the top 10 countries in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index were in the European Union.  

But that doesn’t mean EU countries are without their own hot-button rule of law issues.  

How well do you know current rule of law issues in the European Union?

 

Later this year, WJP will publish a study on the rule of law in the European Union at the subnational level, covering 110 regions across the 27 member states.  

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The Warsaw Principles for the Rule of Law

WARSAW, Poland – 26 June 26, 2025 – A global coalition of organizational leaders and justice advocates issued an urgent call to action today to reverse the worldwide decline in the rule of law, marked by the release of the Warsaw Principles at the conclusion of the 2025 World Justice Forum. The Warsaw Principles represent a unified front against rising authoritarian pressures and a framework for collective action to strengthen accountability.

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Chief Justice Zondo accepts the World Justice Project Rule of Law Award

WARSAW, Poland – June 12, 2025 – Former South African Chief Justice Raymond Zondo was awarded the prestigious World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to justice and his courageous efforts in exposing systemic corruption. The award was presented by WJP Board Vice President Judy Perry Martinez at the 2025 World Justice Forum, a global gathering of rule of law champions. Polish Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar, a prior recipient of the award in 2019, made accompanying remarks.

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Adam Bodnar remarks at the World Justice Forum 2025 Opening Reception

WARSAW, Poland – 23 June, 2025 – Hundreds of global leaders, jurists, and human rights champions gathered in Warsaw—a city with a profound history in the struggle for freedom—for the opening of the 2025 World Justice Forum. The summit aims to mobilize collective action against a rising tide of authoritarianism and reverse the global rule of law recession.

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