The Parliament’s draft assessment of the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report presents a concerning overview of European values. The report, approved by the Committee on Civil Liberties with a vote tally of 50 in favour, 18 against, and four abstentions, evaluates both the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report and recent developments across member states.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are calling for more robust and consistent enforcement of democratic principles by both member states and the Commission. To prevent any regression in these principles, they advocate for an “ever more comprehensive toolbox,” accompanied by a “smart conditionality” mechanism to ensure that the suspension of EU funds is not misused against civil society or local authorities. MEPs emphasise the necessity for a comprehensive mechanism to protect and enforce all EU values and propose methodological enhancements to the Commission’s annual assessment.
The report identifies several alarming trends this year, including restrictions on the right to assemble and a rapid contraction of the civic space. MEPs highlight the critical need for independent and effective judicial systems, staffed by highly qualified personnel, and stress the importance of ongoing evaluations of reforms in member states. They also condemn interference in corruption investigations and the exploitation of judicial systems for political purposes.
Furthermore, MEPs call for enhanced protection for vulnerable groups against discrimination, including the establishment of EU-wide legislation to criminalise hate crimes and hate speech. They underscore the obligation to uphold the international legal order and to implement binding court decisions. Member states must ensure that national judges have access to the Court of Justice of the EU, apply its jurisprudence comprehensively, and enforce the directives of the International Criminal Court.
“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,” commented Rapporteur Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D, Portugal).
“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,” she added.
The report presents several critical issues that warrant attention:
– There is an urgent need for enhanced anti-corruption measures at all levels of governance.
– A call for greater transparency in interest representation is emphasised, advocating for new or improved mandatory registers and legislative footprint mechanisms.
– The report expresses concerns regarding threats to media freedom and pluralism, specifically addressing the challenges posed by Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and the use of spyware.
– It highlights the growing prevalence of disinformation, which undermines democratic processes.
– The report identifies ongoing and emerging threats to equality for vulnerable groups, particularly discriminatory measures against LGBTIQ individuals, and raises concerns about the Commission’s intention to withdraw the Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive.
– It is also emphasised that access to safe and legal abortion should be enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
– The increase in extremism, threats to electoral integrity, and the use of technology to restrict democratic rights is alarmingly noted.
– Furthermore, the deteriorating political situation in Hungary is highlighted as a pressing issue.
MEPs are advocating for a strengthened mandate for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and are urging the Commission to apply conditionality mechanisms more consistently. The report is scheduled for debate and a vote during the plenary session in Strasbourg from 16 to 19 June, anticipating the forthcoming 2025 Rule of Law Report by the Commission.
