Rule of Law in Europe

Abstract

Abstract The rule of law is perceived as the bedrock of peace in Europe. European countries have built their institutions on that very premise: the Council of Europe (CoE) and the European Union (EU). Yet, although the rule of law is not yet on the red list of endangered species in Europe, there is rule of law backsliding in some European States (to a varying degree) and between European States. This chapter discusses the various definitions of the rule of law on the national and European (CoE and EU) level as well as the international rule of law, including the diversity of views on the rule of law in Europe. It shows the interactions of the different layers of the rule of law and deliberates about the current tensions in that multi-layered network, internally within Europe and in its external relations. The latest developments of attempting to safeguard the rule of law are discussed.