# Rule of Law and Mechanisms

{% hint style="info" %}
[**The European rule of law mechanism is a preventive tool, aiming to promote the rule of law and prevent challenges from emerging or deteriorating.**](https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/rule-law-mechanism_en)
{% endhint %}

### [What is the rule of law mechanism?](https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/rule-law-mechanism_en) <a href="#general" id="general"></a>

The European Rule of Law Mechanism provides a process for an annual dialogue between the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament together with Member States as well as national parliaments, civil society and other stakeholders on the rule of law. The Rule of Law Report is the foundation of this new process.

A core objective of the European Rule of Law Mechanism is to stimulate inter-institutional cooperation and encourage all EU institutions to contribute in accordance with their respective institutional roles. This aim reflects a long-standing interest from both the European Parliament and the Council. The Commission also invites national parliaments and national authorities to discuss the report, and encourages other stakeholders at the national and EU level to be involved.

The Rule of Law Report and the preparatory work with Member States takes place annually as part of the Mechanism, and will serve as a basis for discussions in the EU as well as to prevent problems from emerging or deepening further. Identifying challenges as soon as possible and with mutual support from the Commission, other Member States, and stakeholders including the Council of Europe and the Venice Commission, could help Member States find solutions to safeguard and protect the rule of law.

### 2020 Rule of law report <a href="#id-2020-rule-of-law-report" id="id-2020-rule-of-law-report"></a>

[2020 Rule of law report](https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/rule-law-mechanism/2020-rule-law-report_en)

The 2020 Rule of Law Report monitors significant developments, both positive and negative, relating to the rule of law in Member States. It covers four pillars: the justice system, the anti-corruption framework, media pluralism, and other institutional issues related to checks and balances.

Source: [https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/rule-law-mechanism\_en](https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/rule-law-mechanism_en)

### Useful links

* [**COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION - Strengthening the rule of law within the Union: A blueprint for action**](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=COM%3A2019%3A343%3AFIN)
