The European Commission's rule of law reports, designed as a democratic health check for EU member states, are under scrutiny following a recent report by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties). Compiled by 43 human rights organizations across 21 EU member states, the report highlights significant concerns regarding the state of democracy within the European Union. The findings, released this week, indicate that without decisive action from the EU, there is a risk of further democratic erosion.
Liberties' report draws attention to various issues undermining the rule of law across Europe. Notably, Italy is singled out as one of five "dismantlers," along with Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Slovakia. These nations are accused of intentionally undermining the rule of law in nearly all aspects. Italy's government has come under fire for changes to the judiciary and a perceived intolerance towards media criticism. The report suggests that such actions have profoundly weakened the rule of law in the country.
The situation is particularly dire in Hungary, which has been classified as an "electoral autocracy." The country has experienced significant regression in the rule of law, exacerbated by increased pressure on non-governmental organizations and media. The establishment of Hungary's sovereignty protection office has further intensified these pressures, granting broad powers to investigate individuals active in public life.
Viktor Kazai, a senior rule of law expert at Liberties, emphasized the gravity of the situation.
“The alarming persistence of rule of law violations throughout the European Union” – Viktor Kazai, senior rule of law expert at Liberties
The report also sheds light on judicial systems subject to political manipulation, weak enforcement against corruption, overuse of fast-track legislative procedures, harassment of journalists, and growing restrictions on peaceful protests. Such issues are prevalent throughout various EU member states, indicating systemic problems that require immediate attention.
In response to these challenges, Liberties is calling on the European Commission to strengthen its monitoring exercise. The NGO advocates for linking the monitoring exercise to the release of EU funds as a means to ensure compliance with democratic principles. Additionally, Liberties urges the acceleration of legal action against violations of the rule of law to address these challenges effectively.
The current state of affairs within the EU is described by Kazai as disappointingly limited in addressing fundamental rule of law issues.
“All fundamental aspects of the rule of law have faced increasingly severe problems in the past few years” – Viktor Kazai, senior rule of law expert at Liberties
The report underscores the necessity for decisive action from the EU to prevent further democratic erosion.
“Without decisive action, the EU risks further democratic erosion” – Liberties