Parliament’s draft assessment of the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report highlights significant concerns about the state of European values. The report, approved by the Committee on Civil Liberties with 50 votes in favor, 18 against, and four abstentions, reviews developments across member states and calls for stronger enforcement of democratic principles by both member states and the Commission.
The Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) advocate for an “ever more comprehensive toolbox” to prevent backsliding, alongside a “smart conditionality” mechanism to ensure EU funds are not misused against civil society and local authorities. They emphasize the need for a complete mechanism to protect and enforce EU values while suggesting methodological improvements to the Commission’s annual exercise.
Concerns include restrictions on assembly rights and shrinking civic space. MEPs stress the necessity for independent judicial systems with qualified personnel, condemning interference in corruption investigations and misuse of judicial systems for political purposes. They call for better protection against discrimination, including legislation criminalizing hate crime and hate speech across the EU.
MEPs also underline obligations to uphold international legal orders, ensuring national judges’ access to the Court of Justice of the EU, applying its jurisprudence fully, and enforcing International Criminal Court orders.
Additional issues raised include:
– The need for robust anti-corruption efforts;
– Increased transparency in interest representation;
– Threats to media freedom;
– Disinformation undermining democracy;
– Threats to equality for vulnerable groups;
– The need for safe, legal abortion rights enshrined in EU law;
– Rising extremism threatening electoral processes;
– The deteriorating situation in Hungary.
Rapporteur Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D, Portugal) stated: “For the Union to deliver on its promise of rule of law freedom and fundamental rights for every person living in Europe, we need to strengthen our ability to monitor and act on backsliding in the rule of law and all European values. However, we see that some political forces are willing to renege on these values for short-term political gain, undermining not only the fundamental rights of vulnerable groups but also the rule of law mechanisms that protect them and support our entire societies. It is high time that we act responsibly and in line with our proudest democratic traditions because it is becoming increasingly clear that everything is at stake.”
The report will be debated and voted on during the plenary session from June 16 – 19 in Strasbourg as part of preparations for the Commission’s upcoming 2025 Rule of Law Report.
