The European Commission, in its 2026 Rule of Law Report country chapter on Czechia published on 17 July 2026, acknowledges progress in the new two-instance disciplinary procedure for judges, prosecutors and bailiffs but highlights persistent delays in justice digitalisation, ongoing corruption concerns, and no movement on revising conflict-of-interest legislation. The chapter is part of the broader 2026 Rule of Law Report covering all EU member states.
The Commission notes that as of 1 January 2026, judges' salaries reverted to a previous calculation method, while debate continues on salaries for non-judicial court staff. Amendments to reduce the number of district courts are under preparation, with a plan expected by end of 2027. The rollout of the e-file system faces further delays. The average length of bribery proceedings at first instance decreased to 380 days in 2024 from 541 in 2023, but remains among the longest in the EU.
On anti-corruption, implementation of the 2023-2026 Anti-Corruption Strategy is being finalised, and preparations for a future strategy have begun. However, no steps were taken to reinitiate revision of legislation on conflicts of interest, including beneficial ownership rules. An Ethics Code for government members was adopted, and new legislation on political party financing entered into force.
In the media and civic space, draft legislation on media regulator powers remains pending. A government draft law to abolish licence fees for public service media raised concerns. Journalists continue to face serious verbal threats and harassment, and civil society organisations reported funding cuts.
Regarding the legislative process, the electronic platform for drafting legislation is progressively becoming operational, but 'legislative riders' and fast-track procedures continue to limit public consultation.
The report's findings will feed into the European Parliament's annual debate on the rule of law and the Council's peer review discussions, expected later in 2026. The Commission calls on Czechia to address the identified shortcomings, particularly on justice digitalisation, conflict-of-interest rules, and media reforms.