05/07/2018 (Agence Europe) – On 5 July, the Commission said it was following events in Romania with growing concern following the Romanian parliament's adoption the previous day of a controversial law weakening the country's anti-corruption laws. According to the opposition to the ruling socialist government, the changes could compromise the rule of law. The most contested change refers to the partial decriminalisation of the abuse of office – an infringement that resulted in social-democrat leader Liviu Dragnea receiving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence on 21 June. The new criminal code limits the abuse of office to only when a public official obtains undue advantages for himself or his family during his work. The abuse of office is no longer applicable to additional cases. The Commission says it will analyse the final text for its conformity with European law, and will take action if necessary. (SP)