Not just Hungary: Five EU countries seen as undermining democracy
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The European human rights organization Liberties has said that the governments of five EU countries are "consistently and intentionally" undermining the rule of law, The Guardian reports.
The organization reached these conclusions in its 2026 report, based on data from more than 40 non-governmental organizations across 22 countries. Liberties described these governments as "dismantlers" actively weakening legal and democratic mechanisms.
Where the greatest regression was recorded
The report notes that particularly significant backsliding was observed in Slovakia under Prime Minister Robert Fico. According to the organization, the deterioration has occurred across several areas — from the judiciary and anti-corruption efforts to media freedom and checks and balances.
Liberties gave a similar assessment of Bulgaria. At the same time, Hungary, where Viktor Orbán has been in power for 16 years, was effectively placed in a separate category, "continuing to pursue ever more regressive laws and policies with no sign of change."
Countries labeled as "sliders"
The organization also highlighted a group of countries where the rule of law is deteriorating not systematically but in specific areas. The so-called "sliders" include Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, and Sweden — states traditionally considered strong democracies.
Countries labeled as "stagnators"
Another eight countries — Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain — were classified as "stagnators." This means that the rule-of-law situation there is not significantly improving but is also not showing sharp deterioration.
Poland was also included in this category. Liberties noted that the government of Donald Tusk is trying to restore the independence of key institutions, particularly the judiciary, but presidential vetoes are constraining its efforts. Human rights advocates say the Polish case "shows just how challenging and fragile it can be to restore compromised institutional independence."
Latvia was the only country that, according to the organization, is actively improving its rule of law standards.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has long been one of the most problematic partners for the European Union. Recently, he blocked a decision on a loan for Ukraine that he had previously supported.
This prompted a sharp reaction in Brussels. European Council President António Costa said such actions are unacceptable and undermine the functioning of EU institutions.
In response, the European Union blocked a loan plan for Hungary worth more than €16 billion.
