On Friday 17 July 2026, the European Commission published its seventh annual Rule of Law Report, titled "2026 Rule of Law Report strengthens Europe's prosperity, security and democratic resilience", assessing developments relating to the rule of law in all EU Member States, as well as in four candidate countries, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, and presenting a number of key findings and recommendations for Luxembourg.

According to the Commission, the report has become an established tool for engaging in dialogue with Member States on key rule of law issues. Its recommendations continue to drive reforms in the countries concerned. This year's report confirms an overall positive trend, with continued progress in many Member States and reforms either completed or underway across all areas covered. While the situation continues to vary between countries and policy areas, and some challenges remain, the report and its recommendations continue to promote change through sustained engagement with Member States.

The key findings for Luxembourg were as follows:

Judicial System: Public perception of judicial independence in Luxembourg remains very high among both the general public and businesses. The National Council for Justice continues to perform its role within the justice system, while progress is being made in the digitalisation of civil, criminal and administrative proceedings. However, the reform of juvenile criminal justice is still awaiting the opinion of the Council of State. Although the justice system remains generally efficient, the length of pending proceedings has increased. Initiatives are underway to address recruitment needs within the judiciary, and plans are in place to establish a new court to improve administrative efficiency.

Anti-Corruption Framework: A national corruption risk assessment is underway to support the development of a national anti-corruption strategy. Corruption convictions have increased slightly, while the number of reported cases has remained stable. Human resources dedicated to combating corruption have been strengthened, and amendments relating to Parliament's transparency register have now been fully implemented. New rules have also been adopted to strengthen oversight of the use of financial resources by political groups and independent members of parliament. Discussions on introducing codes of conduct for elected representatives at municipal level are continuing. The Ethics Committee has continued to oversee compliance with ethical rules by the government. The report also noted an increase in whistleblower reports in 2025, while the national corruption risk assessment, including the identification of high-risk sectors, remains ongoing.

Media Freedom and Pluralism: Reform of the media regulatory framework is underway to strengthen the role, mandate and functioning of the national media regulator. The reform also reinforces the role of the Press Council, while public support for journalism continues through the existing state aid scheme. Radio 100.7 remains independent. The government has taken measures to strengthen the protection of journalists, notably through the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists (2025-2028). Reform of the legal framework governing access to official documents is also progressing in line with European standards.

Balance of Powers Between Institutions: Stakeholder consultations continue to function effectively in practice. However, the reform aimed at strengthening the independence of the Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CCDH) remains pending. Civic space continues to be described as open and supported by public funding.

The report sets out the following key recommendations for Luxembourg:

  • accelerate the digitalisation of civil, criminal and administrative judicial proceedings;
  • finalise the reform of the legal framework governing access to official documents in line with European standards.

The full 2026 Rule of Law Report is available on the European Commission's website.