4.6. with respect to the Republic of Moldova, the Assembly welcomes the continued implementation of the ambitious reforms needed to further its European integration and to honour its commitments and obligations to the Council of Europe. However, it regrets that these reforms are sometimes drafted in a rather hasty manner without proper consultation with all stakeholders involved. It urges the authorities to address these concerns, since an inclusive and transparent reform process is essential to ensure the broad support and acceptance of the reforms by the Moldovan population, which will ensure the irreversibility of these reforms. The Assembly especially welcomes continuing reforms to strengthen the independence and integrity of the judiciary and especially the vetting of all key judges and prosecutors. It condemns the unprecedented nefarious interference by the Russian Federation and actors aligned to it, in Moldovan domestic politics and its electoral processes, which had a negative effect on the presidential election and constitutional referendum that took place in October and November 2024;

4.7. with respect to Poland, the Assembly strongly welcomes the ambitious reform programme that is being developed by the Polish authorities with the stated objective of implementing the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights with regard to the independence of the justice system and, in their own words, to restore the rule of law in the country. However, it takes note of the questions that have been raised about the compatibility of some of the aspects of these reforms with European standards and norms, and is concerned that the authorities, in their zeal to restore the rule of law, may be tempted to sometimes sidestep the very requirements of the rule of law itself. Given the sensitivity of these reforms, and mindful of the very polarised and contentious political environment in the country, the Assembly calls on the authorities to continue its close co-operation with the Venice Commission and to fully address all recommendations and concerns expressed in its opinions on the various judicial reforms;

4.8. with respect to Serbia, the Assembly remains concerned about the frequent organisation of early elections at short intervals and urges the authorities to adopt further amendments to the electoral legislation in order to address long-standing issues identified by the Venice Commission. The Assembly welcomes the ongoing reform of the judiciary and the progress in the implementation of the recommendations of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) and expects the authorities to swiftly address the remaining ones. It urges the authorities to take further measures to combat and prevent ill-treatment by law enforcement authorities and to show a genuine commitment to investigating and adjudicating war crimes cases. It remains concerned about attacks and smear campaigns against journalists and media outlets, human rights defenders, and civil society activists. The Assembly expects the Serbian authorities to continue peaceful dialogue with Pristina with a view to solving all outstanding issues and not to hinder the implementation of its recommendations included in Opinion 302 (2024) “Application by Kosovo*2 for membership of the Council of Europe”;

4.9. with respect to Türkiye, the Assembly calls on the authorities to implement the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights fully and speedily and exhorts the authorities to release without delay Mr Osman Kavala and Mr Selahattin Demirtaş as well as Ms Figen Yüksekdağ Şenoğlu. It urges the authorities to implement, without delay and in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission, the necessary reforms to restore an effective system of checks and balances and to ensure full independence of the judiciary. The Assembly reiterates its concerns regarding the ongoing crackdown on members of the political opposition and civil society as well as the restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom. It calls on the authorities to put an end to all forms of reprisals against politicians, lawyers, journalists, and civil society activists and to ensure a conducive environment for all civil society actors. In line with Resolution 2528 (2024), it calls upon the authorities to eliminate torture and physical ill-treatment in places of detention. The Assembly furthermore calls on authorities to fully respect the results of the local elections of 31 March 2024, and, in particular not to replace democratically elected mayors by governors appointed by the Minister of the Interior;

4.10. with respect to Ukraine, the Assembly commends the efforts by the Ukrainian authorities, and indeed the whole society, to ensure the functioning of the democratic and rule of law institutions in the country, in spite of the challenging situation presented by the ongoing military aggression by the Russian Federation. It welcomes the efforts of the co-rapporteurs to organise a monitoring fact-finding visit to Ukraine in the first half of 2025, which is essential for the proper conduct of the monitoring procedure in respect of Ukraine.

2. *All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population shall be understood in full compliance withUnited Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.

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