Out of 100 commission recommendations assessed by Liberties, 61 showed zero progress, while 13 more were deteriorating. “The commission’s report was meant to prompt concrete action,” said Ilina Neshikj, Liberties’ executive director.

But after seven annual editions, Liberties’ findings highlight “not only backsliding, but also ongoing and deliberate efforts to undermine the rule of law. Repeating recommendations without meaningful follow-up will not reverse this,” she said.

The report also criticised EU institutions in general, saying that in 2025 they had not only “mirrored many of the issues seen in member states”, but had also failed to consistently apply and defend fundamental rights.