It is known that Jordan wishes to prosecute a Danish cartoonist, ten Danish journalists and the Dutch MP Geert Wilders on charges of ‘blasphemy, contempt for Islam and the feelings of Muslims, and slandering and defaming the Prophet Muhammad’. Jordan has even asked Interpol to detain the people in question and bring them before a Jordanian court.

The Association Agreement between the EU and Jordan signed on 24 November 1997 entered into force on 1 May 2002. Article 2 of this Agreement lays down that respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights is an ‘essential element’ of the Agreement. 'Appropriate measures' may be taken if there is a violation of the Agreement.

Does the above constitute a violation of the ‘essential element’ clause of Article 2? If so, what steps will the Council take under this Agreement?