EU framework for democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights
3.2.2015
Question for oral answer O-000013/2015
to the Commission
Rule 128
Sophia in 't Veld, Cecilia Wikström, Filiz Hyusmenova, Louis Michel, Jean-Marie Cavada, Pavel Telička, on behalf of the ALDE Group
As referred to in Article 2 TEU, the rule of law is one of the core values on which the Union is founded, along with respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Within the EU, facts show that these values and principles are not effectively enforced and fundamental rights are not equally protected in all Member States.
The EU needs an effective and binding instrument, supplementary to Article 7 TEU, responding to situations where Member States are not complying with Article 2 TEU. Parliament has called for such a mechanism on several occasions, notably in its resolution of 27 February 2014 on fundamental rights in the European Union. On 11 March 2014 the Commission submitted a communication proposing a framework to safeguard the rule of law. On 16 December 2014 the Council decided to initiate an annual dialogue on the rule of law, but this does not address the need for an effective mechanism for a regular assessment of Member States’ compliance with the fundamental values of the EU as repeatedly called for by Parliament.
On what basis and using what indicators does the Commission currently assess the situation of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights within the EU, in order to effectively respond to potential breaches by Member States of their Treaty obligations? Would the Commission consider extending the current Justice Scoreboard to a set of indicators evaluating the state of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in the EU?
Can the Commission report on the implementation and functioning of its framework to safeguard the rule of law presented in March 2014? Is it considering putting forward a proposal for a binding instrument to effectively assess and enforce democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights within the EU?
How does the Commission envision the Council’s contribution to the establishment of an effective mechanism for safeguarding the upholding of the fundamental values of the EU in Member States, in line with the Council’s statement of 2013 that respecting the rule of law is a prerequisite for the protection of fundamental rights?