A Commission Staff Working Document on the rule of law situation in Romania, published on 22 July 2026, assesses progress on justice, anti-corruption, and fundamental rights, finding mixed implementation of prior recommendations. The document accompanies the 2026 Rule of Law Report and notes that while some steps have been taken on anti-corruption rules and lobbying transparency, key reforms on judicial independence safeguards, media governance, and human rights institution accreditation have stalled.
The report highlights that the Justice Laws continue to be implemented, improving the legislative framework for judicial independence. However, a High Court of Cassation and Justice decision on 25 March 2026 suspended the government committee reviewing them; the government published the committee's report in July 2026. No legislative steps have been taken to strengthen safeguards for high-ranking prosecutors' independence or the judicial police's organisation and functioning. Some magistrates continue to feel undue pressure from inside the judiciary, and judges were recused for intending to refer cases to European Courts. The occupancy rate of magistracy positions increased in 2025, and measures address shortages and the underfunded legal aid system.
On anti-corruption, the 2021-2025 National Anti-Corruption Strategy evaluation is finalised, and the 2026-2030 strategy is under preparation. New legislation on revolving doors was adopted, including pre- and post-employment restrictions for public officials, and a new Code of Ethics for the government prohibits gifts. A broad legislative proposal on asset declarations, submitted by the National Integrity Agency (ANI), is under discussion. New rules on lobbying for Members of Parliament were introduced in November 2025.
Regarding media and fundamental rights, the media regulator has fewer human resources despite increased tasks, and digitalisation efforts initiated in 2025 progress slowly. An anti-SLAPP law is in preparation, but further cases of threats and harassment of journalists have been reported. Fewer government emergency ordinances were adopted in 2025 than in 2024, and steps for effective public consultations have been taken, but shortcomings remain. A final decision on the accreditation of National Human Rights Institutions is pending, as the government has not solved compliance issues with the Paris Principles for two proposed organisations.
The document is a staff working paper from the European Commission, not a formal legislative proposal, and serves as an assessment for the Council and other EU institutions. It identifies trade-offs between judicial independence and government oversight, as well as between anti-corruption measures and administrative burdens. Stakeholders impacted include Romanian magistrates and prosecutors, who face ongoing pressure and incomplete safeguards; journalists and civil society, who continue to face threats and lack of institutional protection; the National Integrity Agency, which awaits legislative progress on asset declarations; and the media regulator, which struggles with resource constraints. The Council is expected to discuss the findings in upcoming meetings, potentially leading to recommendations for Romania.