The five countries that have been called "destroyers" are Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy and Slovakia. They are of greatest concern, as the rule of law institutions are being actively undermined in these countries, and in four of them there has been no change compared to last year, according to the 2026 report by the European Civil Liberties Group (Liberties).
Harassment and attacks on journalists
In terms of the media environment, seven countries, including Bulgaria, are mentioned, in which negative developments are observed, caused by political influence on public media, concentration of media ownership or reduction of security guarantees for journalists.
So far, these countries have made only limited progress in implementing the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and the Anti-SLAPP Directive. The main cause for concern is the increase in cases of harassment and physical attacks against journalists. Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Slovakia and the Netherlands report an increased number of such attacks.
Problems in the judicial system
Bulgaria is also listed among the countries that undermine the independence of the judicial system, while three countries - the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Sweden - note positive developments in terms of anti-corruption measures and law enforcement mechanisms.
On the other hand, Bulgaria, Malta and Slovakia have seen a regression in this area, related to the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions. As a vivid example of a problematic development in the judicial system, the ongoing attempts to discredit the President of the Supreme Court of Cassation are also cited, which, according to the analysis, is a symbol of a broader attack on its leadership and makes the reform of the Supreme Judicial Council as the main institution for judicial independence imperative.
Bulgaria demonstrates a "conquered state"
The organization “Liberties“ has long highlighted the non-enforcement of court decisions as another major problem: one that affects many other areas of the rule of law and therefore requires increased and constant attention. Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Romania note the lowest levels of enforcement of court decisions.
Corruption poisons public life and undermines the rule of law. That is why it is essential that law-abiding countries take all possible measures to reduce corruption. A clear regression affects three countries, the report states: Malta blocked investigations, Slovakia disbanded specialized bodies, and Bulgaria demonstrated a “conquered state“.