Introduction

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1. Introduction 1

Effective justice systems are essential for implementing EU law and for upholding the rule of law and the values upon which the

EU is founded. National courts act as EU courts when applying EU law. It is national courts in the first place that ensure that the

rights and obligations provided under EU law are enforced effectively (Article 19 TEU).

Effective justice systems are also essential for mutual trust, the investment climate and the sustainability of long-term growth.

For this reason, improving the efficiency, quality and independence of national justice systems continues to feature among the

priorities of the European Semester – the EU’s annual cycle of economic policy coordination. The 2020 annual sustainable growth

strategy, which sets out the economic and employment policy strategy for the EU and places sustainability and social inclusion at

the heart of the EU’s economic policymaking, reiterates the link between effective justice systems and the business environment

in Member States. Well-functioning and fully independent justice systems can have a positive impact on investment and

therefore contribute to productivity and competitiveness. They are also important to ensure effective cross-border enforcement

of contracts and administrative decisions and dispute resolution, which are essential for the functioning of the single market (1).

Against this background, the EU Justice Scoreboard presents an annual overview of indicators focusing on the essential

parameters of effective justice systems: efficiency, quality and independence. The 2020 edition further develops the indicators

on all three elements. It does not reflect the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, as the data covers the years 2012 to 2019,

but not 2020.

The European Rule of law Mechanism

As announced in the political guidelines of President von der Leyen, the Commission has established a comprehensive European

Rule of Law Mechanism to deepen its monitoring of the situation in Member States. The Rule of Law Mechanism will act as a

preventive tool, deepening dialogue and joint awareness of rule of law issues.

Its main features are detailed in the Commission’s 2019 ‘Communication on further strengthening the rule of law within the

Union – A blueprint for action. The new Mechanism will rely on an annual Rule of Law Report, which will provide a synthesis of

significant developments – both positive and negative – in all Member States. The Report will be based on a variety of sources,

including the EU Justice Scoreboard.

1

See Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions “Identifying and

addressing barriers to the Single Market” COM(2020)93 and accompanying SWD(2020)54.

1. Introduction