In an era when autocracy and corruption are on the march, the EU proudly proclaims that it stands for democracy and the rule of law. But while most of the bloc’s 28 members can still make that boast without blushing, an anti-democratic rot has set in on its fringes. If it is not treated, the rot will spread to the centre — and could eventually destroy the EU’s claim to be a community of values.

The most obvious danger comes from Hungary. Viktor Orban has just regained power after a big election victory. But the Hungarian prime minister has already undermined other institutions fundamental to a free society — such as independent courts, a free press and non-governmental organisations that hold the government to account.

Hungary is not the only problem. The government of Poland is being investigated by the European Commission for undermining the rule of law. In Slovakia and Malta, investigative journalists looking into corruption at the highest levels of government have recently been assassinated. In neither case has the murder been solved — although Robert Fico, the Slovakian prime minister, resigned.