Italy undermines democracy, report says

A report by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe identifies Italy as one of five countries undermining democracy in Europe. The report highlights Italy's government changes that weaken the judiciary and increase intolerance towards media criticism. The report also points to similar issues in Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Slovakia, where governments are accused of manipulating the rule of law and restricting civil liberties. Hungary is noted for significant regression in democratic practices. The report warns that without decisive action, the European Union risks further erosion of democracy. It calls for stronger monitoring and legal actions against rule of law violations linked to EU funding.