The Report examines developments in four key areas for the rule of law: the justice system, the anti-corruption framework, media pluralism and freedom, and other institutional matters related to checks and balances. The European Commission considers that Slovenia has made progress in several areas in 2024 and that previous recommendations have been largely implemented. The Commission notes that Slovenia has taken important further steps to protect the independence of judges and the autonomy of prosecutors in parliamentary investigations. Progress has also been made on other recommendations: measures to increase the remuneration of judges and prosecutors, further steps in strengthening the anti-corruption framework and action plan and additional measures to protect journalists. The revised legislation on the financing of political parties and campaigns is expected to enable better oversight. Regarding media pluralism and freedom, the independence of public media has improved, and steps have been taken to enhance the transparency of state advertising and improve journalists' access to information. The European Commission also notes improvements in the situation of civil society.

The Commission notes a slight increase in court backlogs and the duration of trials in money laundering and corruption cases. Regarding the expansion of the media regulator’s competences, some challenges remain concerning the resources available and the risks of political influence. In the case of the public media, the European Commission considers that, while the new governance model has improved their independence, the deteriorating financial situation requires a change in the funding model.

A new feature of this year's report is the inclusion of more advanced candidate countries - Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia - in the EU Justice Scoreboard, which Slovenia supports.

In its coordinating role, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs will manage and coordinate the Government's response to the European Commission's findings and proposed recommendations, including establishing an appropriate timetable for their implementation. Upholding the rule of law remains a top priority for the Government.