Rule of law in the EU: old sinners – new trouble

Today the EU publishes its report on the extent to which its members uphold the principles of the rule of law. Well-known sinners are being criticized – and that also increases the pressure on the EU itself.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sends one thing in advance: The latest reports on the so-called Pegasus affair must first be confirmed. The spyware of an Israeli company is said to have been installed on the phones of Hungarian investigative journalists.

The country denies that it is involved, but the President of the Commission has already found clear words: “If this is confirmed, then it is completely unacceptable and violates all the rules that we have on freedom of the press. The free press is one of the fundamental values ​​of the European Union . ”

Focus on discrimination against minorities

It would be another low point in a long series of violations of the rule of law that Brussels accuses Hungary. When the EU Commission presents its annual Rule of Law TÜV for all member countries, Hungary and Poland are likely to appear most frequently in it this year as well.

The Pegasus affair itself is not an issue in the management report, but the revelations are too topical for that. But even so there are some worrying undesirable developments, said EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders. It gives a foretaste of what to expect from the report:

It is very important that we deal with pressing issues – such as discrimination against minorities. For example through the new Hungarian homosexual law or the LGBT-free zones in Poland. But now we also have to defend the competences of EU law, the role of the European Court of Justice.

Because the judgments of the ECJ are currently being questioned by Poland: In two cases, Warsaw recently raised national interests over European law. Here the EU must consider how it should react, said Reynders.

Harder pace required in the event of violations

Above all, the European Parliament demands that a reaction be finally taken. The MEPs recently even threatened the commission with a lawsuit for inaction against the rule of law offenders.

The FDP European politician Moritz Körner also emphasizes: The annual report from Brussels is important because it gives a picture of the situation – from minor violations in countries like Germany to massive problems in Hungary and Poland, for example. But that must also have consequences, says Körner:

It’s like a testimony that is given to the class. And even those who have a five or a six do not stay seated. There are no consequences. And that is why this report must in future be more closely linked to the new rule of law mechanism, so that we can withhold EU funds even if the rule of law is affected. “

“Action must finally follow”

The Green MP Daniel Freund also emphasizes: Time is of the essence. Because the example of Hungary and Poland is catching on, Slovenia and Bulgaria are also on the wrong track. And just naming the grievances is not enough.

“The Commission will not be able to resolve the crisis of the European rule of law by writing concerned reports,” warns Freund. Violations of the rule of law in Europe have been clearly documented for many years. And it is already the second report from the Commission within twelve months. “It must now finally be followed by action,” demands the Green politician.

An “inedible cocktail” of grievances

EU Values ​​Commissioner Vera Jourouva, on the other hand, is happy that the annual report is even available. She had only introduced it for the first time last year. It was important to have a basis on which to make further decisions, she said at the time:

Because all of these grievances often mix up to form an inedible cocktail, even if the individual ingredients are okay at first glance.

And this year Jourova will serve this cocktail with clear words. In any case, it shouldn’t taste Warsaw and Budapest.