On 28 February 2024, the European Parliament expressed significant concerns over the erosion of democratic principles, the rule of law, and fundamental rights across several EU Member States. In its resolution on the European Commission’s 2023 Rule of Law report, the Parliament highlighted both progress and persistent threats to these core values. The report identified the following key issues:

• Judicial independence and corruption: Significant disparities in judicial independence among Member States persist, in particular with regard to the appointment of high-level judges. In addition, proposed institutional changes in Slovakia and legislative proposals regarding the amnesty law in Spain are concerning. The persistence of corruption, especially in Hungary, where EU funds are reportedly being used to benefit political allies, is also worrying.
• Citizenship by investment and protection of the EU budget: Citizenship by investment schemes, such as the one operated by Malta, should be terminated. Strengthening the EU’s anti-fraud architecture and increasing transparency in the European institutions can effectively and efficiently support the protection of the EU’s financial interests, overcoming the inherent limitations of national systems.
• Civil society: Threats to civil society includ proposed restrictions on NGOs in Slovakia and the stigmatization of organizations receiving foreign funding.
• Minority rights and police conduct: Minority groups, including religious minorities, LGBTIQ individuals, women, and migrants are often treated poorly in the EU. The use of excessive force by the police, with examples in France and Greece, is contemptible.

In general, MEPs criticized the oftentimes "open and unashamed non-compliance" with EU law on the part of several Member States and stressed that the Commission's monitoring efforts are inadequate and need to be strengthened with tangible enforcement measures.