EU executive proposes new tools to help safeguard bloc's democracy

The European Union's executive on Tuesday agreed new measures to better police democracy across the bloc, tightening scrutiny of nationalist rulers in the east who stand accused of attacking judicial independence and media freedom.

The latest proposal from the European Commission to promote the rule of law, prevent violations and respond to any deficiencies was described by diplomatic sources to Reuters before its official release on Wednesday.

It shows how the bloc is trying to protect itself from the likes of Poland's ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban who have in recent years put pressure on courts and judges, journalists and media, academics and advocacy groups.

The German nominee to take over at the helm of the European Commission from November, Ursula von der Leyen, also promised to introduce an annual rule of law...