Romania ranks 40th in the 2023 Rule of Law Index, which measures the level of respect for the rule of law in 142 countries around the world, conducted by the World Justice Project.

According to the World Justice Project (WJP) report published on Wednesday, Denmark ranks first, followed by Norway, Finland, Sweden and Germany, Agerpres notes.

According to the WJP, Venezuela leads the world ranking on the rule of law, followed by Cambodia, Afghanistan, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

At the regional level, Romania ranks 27th out of 31 countries from the European Union, the European Free Trade Association and the North American region (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg , Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Great Britain, United States of America).

The first place in the region is occupied by Denmark, followed by Norway and Finland. The countries with the lowest indicators in the region are Greece, Bulgaria and Hungary (73rd in the world).

The rule of law has weakened in most countries over the past year

In the sixth consecutive index, The World Justice Project shows that the rule of law has deteriorated again in most countries this year, including Romania.

Since 2016, the application of the principles of the rule of law has decreased in 78% of the countries studied. The rule of law factor that declined the most between 2016 and 2023 was fundamental rights, which decreased in 77% of countries, including Romania.

Over the past seven years, the Index of Restrictions on Government Powers has decreased in 74% of countries, including Romania. Around the world, parliaments, the judiciary and civil society, including the media, have lost control over executive power, says the World Justice Project.

Two-thirds of countries (66%) saw their civil justice index decline this year, including Romania. At the same time, ratings for criminal justice have fallen in several countries this year (56%) compared to last year (55%).

“The world remains mired in a rule of law recession characterized by excessive executive power, curtailment of human rights, and justice systems that fail to meet people’s needs,” said WJP Co-Founder and President William H. Neucom. “People all over the world are paying the price,” he added.

The World Justice Project defines the rule of law as a sustainable system of laws, institutions, norms, and community obligations that ensures: accountability, fair laws, open government, and accessible justice. An effective rule of law reduces corruption, fights poverty and disease, and protects people from injustices large and small. This is the basis of development, responsible governance and respect for fundamental rights.