The European Commission's first
report on the rule of law gave Italy passing marks but
highlighted certain inefficiencies such as a slow and bloated
justice system and scant media independence due chiefly to
conflicts of interest.
Brussels says "the efficiency of the judicial system continues
to face major challenges".
Simplification reforms being discussed in parliament, however,
aim to tackle the problem, the EC report said.
The report also said "the political independence of the Italian
media remains a problem because of the lack of an effective
system preventing conflicts of interest, in particular in the
audio-visual sector".
The Commission examined four aspects: justice, anti-corruption
laws, media freedom and the division of powers among
institutions.
on anti-corruption laws, Brussels recalled that a January 2019
law beefed up sanctions, and the national anti-corruption
authority had strengthened its role.
"The ability to identify, investigate and prosecute corruption
is very effective," the report said.
"And it benefits from the experience of the authorities in
fighting organised crime.
"But the efficacy of repressive measures is jeopardized by the
excessive length of criminal proceedings".
Lastly, the EC highlights that an institution dealing with human
rights is still lacking, although parliament is discussing the
topic.
It also said that several NGOs dealing with migrants had been
"subjected to campaigns of defamation".
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