Strengthening the rule of law within the Union: A blueprint for action

Summary:

Communication published by the European Commission in July 2019 setting out a number of initiatives to be taken relating to the protection of rule of law across the European Union.

Further information:

Rule of law is one of the shared values at the core of the European Union (EU) as a project. The rule of law is a well-established principle, well-defined in its core meaning. This core meaning, in spite of the different national identities and legal systems and traditions that the EU is bound to respect, is the same in all Member States. Upholding the rule of law is therefore a shared responsibility of all EU institutions as well as of all Member States.

This Communication sets out a number of commitments and paths for reflection as part of the Commission’s proposed blueprint for action. It brings forward a number of initiatives grouped around three pillars: promoting a rule of law culture; preventing rule of law problems; and responding effectively to breaches of the rule of law. This document follows up on a consultation launched in April 2019 alongside a previous Communication on the way forward for the protection of rule of law in the EU. This objective was later confirmed as a priority by the European Council and its Strategic Agenda for 2019-2024.

• Primary Source

News

Reuters, 16/07/2019: EU executive proposes new tools to help safeguard bloc's democracy https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN1UB22X

EUObserver, 17/07/2019: EU proposes yearly rule of law 'reports' https://euobserver.com/justice/145487

The Guardian, 17/07/2019: EU nations to be vetted on their adherence to the rule of law https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/17/eu-nations-to-be-vetted-on-their-adherence-to-the-rule-of-law

Politico, 17/07/2019: EU Commission unveils new measures to protect rule of law https://www.politico.eu/article/european-commission-frans-timmermans-unveils-new-measures-to-protect-rule-of-law/

EUObserver, 17/07/2019: Poland 'optimistic' despite new EU law checks https://euobserver.com/justice/145485

Times of Malta, 17/07/2019: EU plans annual rule of law reports to keep tabs on member states https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/eu-plans-annual-rule-of-law-reports-to-keep-tabs-on-member-states.722542

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Official

European Commission: Initiative to strengthen the rule of law in the EU https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/initiative-strengthen-rule-law-eu

European Commission: Press Release, 17/07/2019: Strengthening the rule of law through increased awareness, an annual monitoring cycle and more effective enforcement http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-19-4169_en.htm

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