EP steers towards permanent monitoring mechanism against backsliding
The EU needs a “robust, comprehensive and positive agenda” to effectively protect and reinforce EU values, according to the Civil Liberties Committee.
With 51 votes to 14 and one abstention, the Civil Liberties Committee adopted on Tuesday a legislative initiative report that envisions an EU mechanism being established to protect and strengthen democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. The text reiterates MEPs’ concerns regarding “the rise and entrenchment of autocratic and illiberal tendencies”, further compounded by Covid-19, as well as “corruption, disinformation and state capture”, in several EU countries.
“To prevent further democratic backsliding, the EU needs a change of pace to place the protection of its values at the heart of European politics. We propose a legally binding interinstitutional agreement that will consolidate and enhance existing initiatives, which will in turn increase the EU's ability to protect itself,” said rapporteur Michal Šimečka (Renew, SK).
The report is set to be voted on by the full house at the 5-8 October plenary session.
(WBJ)
