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2022 EU Rule of Law Report published

The European Commission published the third Rule of Law Report on 13 July 2022.

The annual report is part of the EU Rule of Law cycle created in 2019. The cycle aims to promote, prevent violations and enforce the rule of law in the EU. The Rule of Law Report, first published in 2020, is produced in intensive dialogue with EU Member States' national authorities and stakeholders. It examines the independence of the justice system, the anti-corruption framework, media pluralism and media freedom, and the separation of powers.

Fighting corruption in Austria

Regarding the fight against corruption in Austria, the report refers to the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and the completed evaluation of the related Action Plan 2019/2020. In this context, the Network of Integrity Officers also receives positive mention. In addition, reference is made to ongoing negotiations on a reform of anti-corruption legislation, which would include the criminalisation of bribery of political candidates and the purchase of mandates.

Recommendations for Austria

For the first time, the 2022 Rule of Law Report also contains recommendations for the EU Member States. Among other things, Austria is encouraged to continue the reform to establish an independent Federal Prosecution Office, to involve the judiciary in the appointment procedures of judges and court presidents, to finalise the legislative revision of the political party financing rules, to introduce effective rules on assets and interests’ declaration for Members of Parliament, to reform state advertising, and to advance with the reform to lift official secrecy.