Debate: The establishment of an EU Mechanism on Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights
Date: MONDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2020
Speaker: Věra Jourová
Language: EN

President von der Leyen said it clearly in her State of the Union speech of a few days ago. Mutual trust is at the very heart of the Union and the way we do things together. Breaches of the rule of law cannot be tolerated, and we will continue to defend the rule of law and the integrity of our European institutions. European values are not for sale. We share the objectives of the proposals of the Parliament to set a positive agenda for promoting, protecting and reinforcing Union values in accordance with Article 2 of the Treaty. This also corresponds to the objectives of the Commission for a new push for European democracy, including the first annual rule of law report published on 30 September as part of the new Comprehensive European Rule of Law Mechanism, and the Commission is well aware of the request of the Parliament for a broader mechanism covering not only the rule of law but also democracy and fundamental rights. I would like to underline, then, that the scope of the rule of law mechanism is already comprehensive, as it is covering four areas: the national justice systems; the anti-corruption frameworks; media pluralism and media freedom; and other institutional issues related to checks and balances. The wide scope covers issues which are particularly important for the European Parliament, such as the enabling framework for civil society. All these aspects contribute also to the promotion of democracy and respect of fundamental rights. In the next years, the Commission will consider consolidating its monitoring in these areas and could cover additional aspects. The Commission also recognises the necessity to further promote democracy and respect for fundamental rights. We believe that it requires a diversity of tailor-made approaches and instruments. As regards fundamental rights, the Commission intends to present, still this year, the new strategy for the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Particular attention will be given to the application of the Charter in the Member States and impact on citizens daily lives. And also by the end of this year, the Commission will present another flagship initiative – the European Democracy Action Plan – which will focus on countering disinformation and adapting to evolving threats and manipulations, as well as supporting free and independent media. The European Democracy Action Plan will specifically contribute to upholding fundamental rights and strengthening democracies through three integrated themes. They are: elections’ integrity; the second is strengthening freedom of expression and democratic debate; and the third theme is tackling disinformation in a coherent manner considering the need to look together at all the means used to interfere in our democratic system. The Action Plan will also have a particular focus on citizens’ participation and the role of civil society. Other initiatives and strategies will also further promote our basic foundations, for instance the forthcoming EU citizenship report and other strategies to build a Union of equality. The Commission will continue to monitor the impact of measures adopted in the context of the COVID-19 crisis as regards compliance with EU law and ensuring free and fair elections and a fair democratic debate until restrictions are lifted. As regards more specifically the concrete Parliament proposals for the rule-of-law monitoring and its follow-up, I will now give the floor to Commissioner Reynders.