Chapter 23: Judiciary and Fundamental Rights

This chapter covers the areas of judiciary, anti-corruption, fundamental rights and rights of EU citizens. It aims at maintaining and further developing the Union as an area of freedom, security and justice, thereby requiring the establishment of an independent, impartial and efficient judiciary. It sets high standards of adjudication by the courts in order to safeguard the rule of law, while also ensuring legal guarantees for fair trial procedures. Member States and acceding countries should also commit to eliminate external influences over the judiciary and to devote adequate financial resources and training for proper functioning of the latter.

Equally, Member States and acceding countries must fight corruption effectively, as it represents a threat to the stability of democratic institutions and the rule of law. A solid legal framework and reliable institutions are required to underpin a coherent policy of prevention and deterrence of corruptionMember States must also ensure respect for fundamental rights and EU citizens’ rights, as guaranteed by the acquis and by the Fundamental Rights Charter.