Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches | Nieuws | Europees Parlement

Huidige taal: NL - Nederlands  
 

Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches  

Persbericht 
 
 
  • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
  • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
  • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 

The Civil Liberties Committee sees “overwhelming evidence” of rule of law breaches in Poland and asks Council and Commission to also keep an eye on fundamental rights.

The EP Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee approved on Thursday the draft interim report by chair Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES) with 52 votes for, 15 against and no abstentions, as amended at Tuesday’s voting session.

The text focuses on the continuing deterioration of the situation in Poland as regards the functioning of the legislative and electoral system, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of judges, and the protection of fundamental rights. It “calls on the Council and the Commission to refrain from narrowly interpreting the principle of the rule of law, and to use the procedure under Article 7(1) TEU to its full potential [...] for all the principles enshrined in Article 2 TEU, including democracy and fundamental rights”. Noting that the last hearing in the Council “was held as long ago as December 2018”, it urges the Council “to finally act [...] by finding that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU, in the light of overwhelming evidence thereof”.

Read more about the contents of the report here.

You can watch recordings of the debates on the report here and on the vote on the amendments here.

Quote

After the vote, the rapporteur Mr López Aguilar said: “In view of recurring allegations by PiS and the Polish authorities that they are facing double standards, this report concludes that there is no comparable case in Europe - other than Hungary, which is also subject to an ongoing Article 7 procedure. Over a period of just five years, the ruling majority has produced a cascade of acts using expedited parliamentary procedures, with no concessions to parliamentary opposition nor to any minority, severely affecting rule of law values. Furthermore, no other government is facing four infringement procedures for ignoring CJEU rulings. Abiding by EU law is what being a Member State is all about.”

Next steps

The interim report is scheduled to be debated and voted on in plenary in September 2020.

Background

According to Article 7 of the Treaty of the EU, the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values. Before doing so, ministers shall hear the views of the national authorities. The Polish authorities have presented their position in front of the Council on three occasions, between June and December 2018.

At a later stage, the European Council may determine, by unanimity and with the Parliament’s consent, that there is a serious and persistent breach of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. This could eventually lead to sanctions, including suspension of voting rights in the Council.

 
Huidige taal: NL - Nederlands  
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    Pers   > Huidige pagina: Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches  
    Pers   > Pers  Pers > Huidige pagina: Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches   Huidige pagina: Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches   Huidige pagina:Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches   Pers  Pers >
     

    Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches  

    Persbericht 
     
     
    • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
    • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
    • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 

    The Civil Liberties Committee sees “overwhelming evidence” of rule of law breaches in Poland and asks Council and Commission to also keep an eye on fundamental rights.

    The EP Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee approved on Thursday the draft interim report by chair Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES) with 52 votes for, 15 against and no abstentions, as amended at Tuesday’s voting session.

    The text focuses on the continuing deterioration of the situation in Poland as regards the functioning of the legislative and electoral system, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of judges, and the protection of fundamental rights. It “calls on the Council and the Commission to refrain from narrowly interpreting the principle of the rule of law, and to use the procedure under Article 7(1) TEU to its full potential [...] for all the principles enshrined in Article 2 TEU, including democracy and fundamental rights”. Noting that the last hearing in the Council “was held as long ago as December 2018”, it urges the Council “to finally act [...] by finding that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU, in the light of overwhelming evidence thereof”.

    Read more about the contents of the report here.

    You can watch recordings of the debates on the report here and on the vote on the amendments here.

    Quote

    After the vote, the rapporteur Mr López Aguilar said: “In view of recurring allegations by PiS and the Polish authorities that they are facing double standards, this report concludes that there is no comparable case in Europe - other than Hungary, which is also subject to an ongoing Article 7 procedure. Over a period of just five years, the ruling majority has produced a cascade of acts using expedited parliamentary procedures, with no concessions to parliamentary opposition nor to any minority, severely affecting rule of law values. Furthermore, no other government is facing four infringement procedures for ignoring CJEU rulings. Abiding by EU law is what being a Member State is all about.”

    Next steps

    The interim report is scheduled to be debated and voted on in plenary in September 2020.

    Background

    According to Article 7 of the Treaty of the EU, the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values. Before doing so, ministers shall hear the views of the national authorities. The Polish authorities have presented their position in front of the Council on three occasions, between June and December 2018.

    At a later stage, the European Council may determine, by unanimity and with the Parliament’s consent, that there is a serious and persistent breach of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. This could eventually lead to sanctions, including suspension of voting rights in the Council.

     
     

    Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches  

    Persbericht 
     
     

    Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches  

    Persbericht 
     
     
     

    Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches  

    Persbericht 
     

    Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches  

    Persbericht 
     

    Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches  

    Persbericht 
     

    Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches  

    Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches  
    Rule of law in Poland: “overwhelming evidence” of breaches  
    Persbericht 
     
    Persbericht 
    Persbericht  LIBE  LIBELIBE 
     
     
     
    • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
    • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
    • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 

    The Civil Liberties Committee sees “overwhelming evidence” of rule of law breaches in Poland and asks Council and Commission to also keep an eye on fundamental rights.

    The EP Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee approved on Thursday the draft interim report by chair Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES) with 52 votes for, 15 against and no abstentions, as amended at Tuesday’s voting session.

    The text focuses on the continuing deterioration of the situation in Poland as regards the functioning of the legislative and electoral system, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of judges, and the protection of fundamental rights. It “calls on the Council and the Commission to refrain from narrowly interpreting the principle of the rule of law, and to use the procedure under Article 7(1) TEU to its full potential [...] for all the principles enshrined in Article 2 TEU, including democracy and fundamental rights”. Noting that the last hearing in the Council “was held as long ago as December 2018”, it urges the Council “to finally act [...] by finding that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU, in the light of overwhelming evidence thereof”.

    Read more about the contents of the report here.

    You can watch recordings of the debates on the report here and on the vote on the amendments here.

    Quote

    After the vote, the rapporteur Mr López Aguilar said: “In view of recurring allegations by PiS and the Polish authorities that they are facing double standards, this report concludes that there is no comparable case in Europe - other than Hungary, which is also subject to an ongoing Article 7 procedure. Over a period of just five years, the ruling majority has produced a cascade of acts using expedited parliamentary procedures, with no concessions to parliamentary opposition nor to any minority, severely affecting rule of law values. Furthermore, no other government is facing four infringement procedures for ignoring CJEU rulings. Abiding by EU law is what being a Member State is all about.”

    Next steps

    The interim report is scheduled to be debated and voted on in plenary in September 2020.

    Background

    According to Article 7 of the Treaty of the EU, the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values. Before doing so, ministers shall hear the views of the national authorities. The Polish authorities have presented their position in front of the Council on three occasions, between June and December 2018.

    At a later stage, the European Council may determine, by unanimity and with the Parliament’s consent, that there is a serious and persistent breach of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. This could eventually lead to sanctions, including suspension of voting rights in the Council.

     
     
    • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
    • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
    • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 

    The Civil Liberties Committee sees “overwhelming evidence” of rule of law breaches in Poland and asks Council and Commission to also keep an eye on fundamental rights.

    The EP Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee approved on Thursday the draft interim report by chair Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES) with 52 votes for, 15 against and no abstentions, as amended at Tuesday’s voting session.

    The text focuses on the continuing deterioration of the situation in Poland as regards the functioning of the legislative and electoral system, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of judges, and the protection of fundamental rights. It “calls on the Council and the Commission to refrain from narrowly interpreting the principle of the rule of law, and to use the procedure under Article 7(1) TEU to its full potential [...] for all the principles enshrined in Article 2 TEU, including democracy and fundamental rights”. Noting that the last hearing in the Council “was held as long ago as December 2018”, it urges the Council “to finally act [...] by finding that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU, in the light of overwhelming evidence thereof”.

    Read more about the contents of the report here.

    You can watch recordings of the debates on the report here and on the vote on the amendments here.

    Quote

    After the vote, the rapporteur Mr López Aguilar said: “In view of recurring allegations by PiS and the Polish authorities that they are facing double standards, this report concludes that there is no comparable case in Europe - other than Hungary, which is also subject to an ongoing Article 7 procedure. Over a period of just five years, the ruling majority has produced a cascade of acts using expedited parliamentary procedures, with no concessions to parliamentary opposition nor to any minority, severely affecting rule of law values. Furthermore, no other government is facing four infringement procedures for ignoring CJEU rulings. Abiding by EU law is what being a Member State is all about.”

    Next steps

    The interim report is scheduled to be debated and voted on in plenary in September 2020.

    Background

    According to Article 7 of the Treaty of the EU, the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values. Before doing so, ministers shall hear the views of the national authorities. The Polish authorities have presented their position in front of the Council on three occasions, between June and December 2018.

    At a later stage, the European Council may determine, by unanimity and with the Parliament’s consent, that there is a serious and persistent breach of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. This could eventually lead to sanctions, including suspension of voting rights in the Council.

     
     
     

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    • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
    • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
    • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 

    The Civil Liberties Committee sees “overwhelming evidence” of rule of law breaches in Poland and asks Council and Commission to also keep an eye on fundamental rights.

    The EP Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee approved on Thursday the draft interim report by chair Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES) with 52 votes for, 15 against and no abstentions, as amended at Tuesday’s voting session.

    The text focuses on the continuing deterioration of the situation in Poland as regards the functioning of the legislative and electoral system, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of judges, and the protection of fundamental rights. It “calls on the Council and the Commission to refrain from narrowly interpreting the principle of the rule of law, and to use the procedure under Article 7(1) TEU to its full potential [...] for all the principles enshrined in Article 2 TEU, including democracy and fundamental rights”. Noting that the last hearing in the Council “was held as long ago as December 2018”, it urges the Council “to finally act [...] by finding that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU, in the light of overwhelming evidence thereof”.

    Read more about the contents of the report here.

    You can watch recordings of the debates on the report here and on the vote on the amendments here.

    Quote

    After the vote, the rapporteur Mr López Aguilar said: “In view of recurring allegations by PiS and the Polish authorities that they are facing double standards, this report concludes that there is no comparable case in Europe - other than Hungary, which is also subject to an ongoing Article 7 procedure. Over a period of just five years, the ruling majority has produced a cascade of acts using expedited parliamentary procedures, with no concessions to parliamentary opposition nor to any minority, severely affecting rule of law values. Furthermore, no other government is facing four infringement procedures for ignoring CJEU rulings. Abiding by EU law is what being a Member State is all about.”

    Next steps

    The interim report is scheduled to be debated and voted on in plenary in September 2020.

    Background

    According to Article 7 of the Treaty of the EU, the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values. Before doing so, ministers shall hear the views of the national authorities. The Polish authorities have presented their position in front of the Council on three occasions, between June and December 2018.

    At a later stage, the European Council may determine, by unanimity and with the Parliament’s consent, that there is a serious and persistent breach of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. This could eventually lead to sanctions, including suspension of voting rights in the Council.

    • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
    • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
    • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 

    The Civil Liberties Committee sees “overwhelming evidence” of rule of law breaches in Poland and asks Council and Commission to also keep an eye on fundamental rights.

    The EP Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee approved on Thursday the draft interim report by chair Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES) with 52 votes for, 15 against and no abstentions, as amended at Tuesday’s voting session.

    The text focuses on the continuing deterioration of the situation in Poland as regards the functioning of the legislative and electoral system, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of judges, and the protection of fundamental rights. It “calls on the Council and the Commission to refrain from narrowly interpreting the principle of the rule of law, and to use the procedure under Article 7(1) TEU to its full potential [...] for all the principles enshrined in Article 2 TEU, including democracy and fundamental rights”. Noting that the last hearing in the Council “was held as long ago as December 2018”, it urges the Council “to finally act [...] by finding that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU, in the light of overwhelming evidence thereof”.

    Read more about the contents of the report here.

    You can watch recordings of the debates on the report here and on the vote on the amendments here.

    Quote

    After the vote, the rapporteur Mr López Aguilar said: “In view of recurring allegations by PiS and the Polish authorities that they are facing double standards, this report concludes that there is no comparable case in Europe - other than Hungary, which is also subject to an ongoing Article 7 procedure. Over a period of just five years, the ruling majority has produced a cascade of acts using expedited parliamentary procedures, with no concessions to parliamentary opposition nor to any minority, severely affecting rule of law values. Furthermore, no other government is facing four infringement procedures for ignoring CJEU rulings. Abiding by EU law is what being a Member State is all about.”

    Next steps

    The interim report is scheduled to be debated and voted on in plenary in September 2020.

    Background

    According to Article 7 of the Treaty of the EU, the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values. Before doing so, ministers shall hear the views of the national authorities. The Polish authorities have presented their position in front of the Council on three occasions, between June and December 2018.

    At a later stage, the European Council may determine, by unanimity and with the Parliament’s consent, that there is a serious and persistent breach of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. This could eventually lead to sanctions, including suspension of voting rights in the Council.

    • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
    • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
    • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 

    The Civil Liberties Committee sees “overwhelming evidence” of rule of law breaches in Poland and asks Council and Commission to also keep an eye on fundamental rights.

    The EP Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee approved on Thursday the draft interim report by chair Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES) with 52 votes for, 15 against and no abstentions, as amended at Tuesday’s voting session.

    The text focuses on the continuing deterioration of the situation in Poland as regards the functioning of the legislative and electoral system, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of judges, and the protection of fundamental rights. It “calls on the Council and the Commission to refrain from narrowly interpreting the principle of the rule of law, and to use the procedure under Article 7(1) TEU to its full potential [...] for all the principles enshrined in Article 2 TEU, including democracy and fundamental rights”. Noting that the last hearing in the Council “was held as long ago as December 2018”, it urges the Council “to finally act [...] by finding that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU, in the light of overwhelming evidence thereof”.

    Read more about the contents of the report here.

    You can watch recordings of the debates on the report here and on the vote on the amendments here.

    Quote

    After the vote, the rapporteur Mr López Aguilar said: “In view of recurring allegations by PiS and the Polish authorities that they are facing double standards, this report concludes that there is no comparable case in Europe - other than Hungary, which is also subject to an ongoing Article 7 procedure. Over a period of just five years, the ruling majority has produced a cascade of acts using expedited parliamentary procedures, with no concessions to parliamentary opposition nor to any minority, severely affecting rule of law values. Furthermore, no other government is facing four infringement procedures for ignoring CJEU rulings. Abiding by EU law is what being a Member State is all about.”

    Next steps

    The interim report is scheduled to be debated and voted on in plenary in September 2020.

    Background

    According to Article 7 of the Treaty of the EU, the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values. Before doing so, ministers shall hear the views of the national authorities. The Polish authorities have presented their position in front of the Council on three occasions, between June and December 2018.

    At a later stage, the European Council may determine, by unanimity and with the Parliament’s consent, that there is a serious and persistent breach of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. This could eventually lead to sanctions, including suspension of voting rights in the Council.

    • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
    • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
    • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 
    • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
    • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
    • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 
    • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
    • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
    • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 
    • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
    • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
    • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 
    • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
    • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
    • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 
  • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
  • Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
    Concerns over continuous backsliding on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights 
  • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
  • Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
    Council needs to resume the Article 7 procedure against Poland, which has been on hold since 2018 
  • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 
  • Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 
    Call for a broader interpretation that should include all EU core principles 

    The Civil Liberties Committee sees “overwhelming evidence” of rule of law breaches in Poland and asks Council and Commission to also keep an eye on fundamental rights.

    The Civil Liberties Committee sees “overwhelming evidence” of rule of law breaches in Poland and asks Council and Commission to also keep an eye on fundamental rights.

    The Civil Liberties Committee sees “overwhelming evidence” of rule of law breaches in Poland and asks Council and Commission to also keep an eye on fundamental rights.

    The Civil Liberties Committee sees “overwhelming evidence” of rule of law breaches in Poland and asks Council and Commission to also keep an eye on fundamental rights.

    The EP Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee approved on Thursday the draft interim report by chair Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES) with 52 votes for, 15 against and no abstentions, as amended at Tuesday’s voting session.

    The text focuses on the continuing deterioration of the situation in Poland as regards the functioning of the legislative and electoral system, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of judges, and the protection of fundamental rights. It “calls on the Council and the Commission to refrain from narrowly interpreting the principle of the rule of law, and to use the procedure under Article 7(1) TEU to its full potential [...] for all the principles enshrined in Article 2 TEU, including democracy and fundamental rights”. Noting that the last hearing in the Council “was held as long ago as December 2018”, it urges the Council “to finally act [...] by finding that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU, in the light of overwhelming evidence thereof”.

    Read more about the contents of the report here.

    You can watch recordings of the debates on the report here and on the vote on the amendments here.

    Quote

    After the vote, the rapporteur Mr López Aguilar said: “In view of recurring allegations by PiS and the Polish authorities that they are facing double standards, this report concludes that there is no comparable case in Europe - other than Hungary, which is also subject to an ongoing Article 7 procedure. Over a period of just five years, the ruling majority has produced a cascade of acts using expedited parliamentary procedures, with no concessions to parliamentary opposition nor to any minority, severely affecting rule of law values. Furthermore, no other government is facing four infringement procedures for ignoring CJEU rulings. Abiding by EU law is what being a Member State is all about.”

    Next steps

    The interim report is scheduled to be debated and voted on in plenary in September 2020.

    Background

    According to Article 7 of the Treaty of the EU, the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values. Before doing so, ministers shall hear the views of the national authorities. The Polish authorities have presented their position in front of the Council on three occasions, between June and December 2018.

    At a later stage, the European Council may determine, by unanimity and with the Parliament’s consent, that there is a serious and persistent breach of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. This could eventually lead to sanctions, including suspension of voting rights in the Council.

    The EP Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee approved on Thursday the draft interim report by chair Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES) with 52 votes for, 15 against and no abstentions, as amended at Tuesday’s voting session.

    The text focuses on the continuing deterioration of the situation in Poland as regards the functioning of the legislative and electoral system, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of judges, and the protection of fundamental rights. It “calls on the Council and the Commission to refrain from narrowly interpreting the principle of the rule of law, and to use the procedure under Article 7(1) TEU to its full potential [...] for all the principles enshrined in Article 2 TEU, including democracy and fundamental rights”. Noting that the last hearing in the Council “was held as long ago as December 2018”, it urges the Council “to finally act [...] by finding that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU, in the light of overwhelming evidence thereof”.

    Read more about the contents of the report here.

    You can watch recordings of the debates on the report here and on the vote on the amendments here.

    Quote

    After the vote, the rapporteur Mr López Aguilar said: “In view of recurring allegations by PiS and the Polish authorities that they are facing double standards, this report concludes that there is no comparable case in Europe - other than Hungary, which is also subject to an ongoing Article 7 procedure. Over a period of just five years, the ruling majority has produced a cascade of acts using expedited parliamentary procedures, with no concessions to parliamentary opposition nor to any minority, severely affecting rule of law values. Furthermore, no other government is facing four infringement procedures for ignoring CJEU rulings. Abiding by EU law is what being a Member State is all about.”

    Next steps

    The interim report is scheduled to be debated and voted on in plenary in September 2020.

    Background

    According to Article 7 of the Treaty of the EU, the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values. Before doing so, ministers shall hear the views of the national authorities. The Polish authorities have presented their position in front of the Council on three occasions, between June and December 2018.

    At a later stage, the European Council may determine, by unanimity and with the Parliament’s consent, that there is a serious and persistent breach of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. This could eventually lead to sanctions, including suspension of voting rights in the Council.

    The EP Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee approved on Thursday the draft interim report by chair Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES) with 52 votes for, 15 against and no abstentions, as amended at Tuesday’s voting session.

    The text focuses on the continuing deterioration of the situation in Poland as regards the functioning of the legislative and electoral system, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of judges, and the protection of fundamental rights. It “calls on the Council and the Commission to refrain from narrowly interpreting the principle of the rule of law, and to use the procedure under Article 7(1) TEU to its full potential [...] for all the principles enshrined in Article 2 TEU, including democracy and fundamental rights”. Noting that the last hearing in the Council “was held as long ago as December 2018”, it urges the Council “to finally act [...] by finding that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU, in the light of overwhelming evidence thereof”.

    Read more about the contents of the report here.

    You can watch recordings of the debates on the report here and on the vote on the amendments here.

    Quote

    After the vote, the rapporteur Mr López Aguilar said: “In view of recurring allegations by PiS and the Polish authorities that they are facing double standards, this report concludes that there is no comparable case in Europe - other than Hungary, which is also subject to an ongoing Article 7 procedure. Over a period of just five years, the ruling majority has produced a cascade of acts using expedited parliamentary procedures, with no concessions to parliamentary opposition nor to any minority, severely affecting rule of law values. Furthermore, no other government is facing four infringement procedures for ignoring CJEU rulings. Abiding by EU law is what being a Member State is all about.”

    Next steps

    The interim report is scheduled to be debated and voted on in plenary in September 2020.

    Background

    According to Article 7 of the Treaty of the EU, the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values. Before doing so, ministers shall hear the views of the national authorities. The Polish authorities have presented their position in front of the Council on three occasions, between June and December 2018.

    At a later stage, the European Council may determine, by unanimity and with the Parliament’s consent, that there is a serious and persistent breach of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. This could eventually lead to sanctions, including suspension of voting rights in the Council.

    The EP Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee approved on Thursday the draft interim report by chair Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, ES) with 52 votes for, 15 against and no abstentions, as amended at Tuesday’s voting session.

    draft interim reportJuan Fernando López Aguilaramended

    The text focuses on the continuing deterioration of the situation in Poland as regards the functioning of the legislative and electoral system, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of judges, and the protection of fundamental rights. It “calls on the Council and the Commission to refrain from narrowly interpreting the principle of the rule of law, and to use the procedure under Article 7(1) TEU to its full potential [...] for all the principles enshrined in Article 2 TEU, including democracy and fundamental rights”. Noting that the last hearing in the Council “was held as long ago as December 2018”, it urges the Council “to finally act [...] by finding that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU, in the light of overwhelming evidence thereof”.

    Article 7(1) TEUArticle 2 TEU

    Read more about the contents of the report here.

    here

    You can watch recordings of the debates on the report here and on the vote on the amendments here.

    herehere

    Quote

    Quote

    After the vote, the rapporteur Mr López Aguilar said: “In view of recurring allegations by PiS and the Polish authorities that they are facing double standards, this report concludes that there is no comparable case in Europe - other than Hungary, which is also subject to an ongoing Article 7 procedure. Over a period of just five years, the ruling majority has produced a cascade of acts using expedited parliamentary procedures, with no concessions to parliamentary opposition nor to any minority, severely affecting rule of law values. Furthermore, no other government is facing four infringement procedures for ignoring CJEU rulings. Abiding by EU law is what being a Member State is all about.”

    “In view of recurring allegations by PiS and the Polish authorities that they are facing double standards, this report concludes that there is no comparable case in Europe - other than Hungary, which is also subject to an ongoing Article 7 procedure. Over a period of just five years, the ruling majority has produced a cascade of acts using expedited parliamentary procedures, with no concessions to parliamentary opposition nor to any minority, severely affecting rule of law values. Furthermore, no other government is facing four infringement procedures for ignoring CJEU rulings. Abiding by EU law is what being a Member State is all about.”

    Next steps

    Next steps

    The interim report is scheduled to be debated and voted on in plenary in September 2020.

    Background

    Background

    According to Article 7 of the Treaty of the EU, the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values. Before doing so, ministers shall hear the views of the national authorities. The Polish authorities have presented their position in front of the Council on three occasions, between June and December 2018.

    Article 7 of the Treaty of the EU

    At a later stage, the European Council may determine, by unanimity and with the Parliament’s consent, that there is a serious and persistent breach of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. This could eventually lead to sanctions, including suspension of voting rights in the Council.

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  • Kyriakos KLOSIDIS 

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  • E-mail: kyriakos.klosidis@europarl.europa.eu E-mail: kyriakos.klosidis@europarl.europa.euE-mail:  
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  • Estefanía NARRILLOS 

    Estefanía NARRILLOS Estefanía NARRILLOS 
    Press Officer 
    Press Officer Press Officer 
    Contactgegevens: 
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  • Telefoonnummer: (+32) 2 28 31324 (BXL) 
  • Telefoonnummer: (+32) 2 28 31324 (BXL) Telefoonnummer: (+32) 2 28 31324 (BXL)Telefoonnummer: (BXL) 
  • Mobiel telefoonnummer: (+32) 498 98 39 85 
  • Mobiel telefoonnummer: (+32) 498 98 39 85 Mobiel telefoonnummer: (+32) 498 98 39 85Mobiel telefoonnummer:  
  • E-mail: estefania.narrillos@europarl.europa.eu 
  • E-mail: estefania.narrillos@europarl.europa.eu E-mail: estefania.narrillos@europarl.europa.euE-mail:  
  • E-mail: libe-press@europarl.europa.eu 
  • E-mail: libe-press@europarl.europa.eu E-mail: libe-press@europarl.europa.euE-mail:  
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    Further information 

    Further information 
    Further information 
  • Procedure file   Procedure file  
  • The pandemic is no excuse to weaken democracy and the rule of law, MEPs say (EP press release, 23.04.2020)  The pandemic is no excuse to weaken democracy and the rule of law, MEPs say (EP press release, 23.04.2020) 
  • Rule of law concerns in member states: how the EU can act (infographic)  Rule of law concerns in member states: how the EU can act (infographic) 
  • EPRS Briefing: Protecting the rule of law in the EU: Existing mechanisms and possible improvements  EPRS Briefing: Protecting the rule of law in the EU: Existing mechanisms and possible improvements 
  • EPRS Briefing: European added value of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights - Preliminary assessment (23.04.2020)  EPRS Briefing: European added value of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights - Preliminary assessment (23.04.2020) 
  • EPRS Briefing: The Impact of Covid-19 Measures on Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights in the EU  EPRS Briefing: The Impact of Covid-19 Measures on Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights in the EU 
  • Free photos, video and audio material  Free photos, video and audio material 
  • Civil Liberties Committee web page  Civil Liberties Committee web page 
     
     
     
     
     

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    REF.:  20200716IPR83505 

    Productinformatie 

    Productinformatie 
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    REF.: REF.:REF.: 20200716IPR83505 20200716IPR83505 

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