In December 2025, the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe released an update of its unique Rule of Law Checklist. Building on the original 2016 Checklist, which has served as a key reference for assessing the rule of law in countries, the Updated Rule of Law Checklist reflects new challenges, particularly those arising from technological changes, Rule of law regression and growing private sector influence. It outlines the core elements of the Rule of Law, namely legality, legal certainty, prevention of the abuse of power, checks and balances, equality and non-discrimination, access to justice and constitutional review. In a new video message, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe highlights why this reference document matters now more than ever.