Rule of law in Hungary and Poland: plenary debate and resolution
On Tuesday, MEPs will review the latest events regarding democracy and fundamental rights in Hungary and Poland, and the EU’s action to protect its shared values.
Following a debate with the Commission on Tuesday afternoon, plenary will vote on Thursday a resolution assessing the ongoing process of hearings in the Council with both countries, under Article 7 of the EU Treaty.
In December 2017, the European Commission initiated a procedure under Article 7 in response to the risks to rule of law and EU values in Poland. The European Parliament backed this move in a resolution in March 2018. Parliament triggered the Article 7 procedure for Hungary in September 2018.
However, despite the deteriorating situation in both countries in recent years, member states have avoided voting to determine whether there is “a clear risk of a serious breach” of the EU’s common values, the next step in this Article 7 procedure. The Council has held hearings with authorities from both countries in several occasions. The French Council Presidency organised one with the Polish Government in February, and another with Hungarian authorities will take place in June.
MEPs are also expected to comment on the decision by the Commission on 27 April to trigger the budget conditionality mechanism against Hungary.
Procedure: Commission statement with resolution
Debate: Tuesday, 3 May
Vote: Thursday, 5 May