Fundamental rights and the rule of law - Related Opinions

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Further strengthening the Rule of Law within the Union. State of play and possible next steps (Communication)

Vedtaget on 19/06/2019
Reference: 
SOC/627-EESC-2019
Referral: 
COM(2019) 163 final
Rapporteur: 
Jukka AHTELA (/Finland), Karolina DRESZER-SMALEC (/Poland), José Antonio MORENO DÍAZ (Workers - GR II/Spain) (Finland)

The EESC welcomes the Commission's Communication on Further Strengthening the Rule of Law within the Union. It regrets that the short reflection period has not allowed for deeper consultation. The EESC recalls the essential watchdog role played by the civil society, which should be further supported. It reiterates its support for an EU mechanism to monitor rule of law and fundamental rights and proposes to establish an EU stakeholders Forum to debate solutions. The EESC also calls on the Commission to adopt a Strategy on communication, education and citizen awareness concerning these key issues.

Udvalgets udtalelse: Further strengthening the Rule of Law within the Union. State of play and possible next steps (Communication)

Resilient Democracy through a strong and diverse civil society (own-initiative opinion)

Vedtaget on 20/03/2019
Reference: 
SOC/605-EESC-2018
Rapporteur: 
Christian MOOS (Diversity Europe - GR III / Germany)

Liberal democracy relies on civil liberties and a pluralistic civil society, but considerable political forces in today's Europe are challenging liberal democracy. The social, political and legal framework must allow for a pluralistic civil society. Strong social partners and civil society are needed to defend EU values. The EESC calls for the creation of a Democracy Semester, a European control mechanism, corrective economic measures for non-respect of fundamental EU values, the creation of a European statute for CSOs, or interinstitutional CSO authorisation and, tax incentives to support civil society. Burning social questions must be tackled, ensuring social sustainability and inclusive education.

Udvalgets udtalelse: Resilient Democracy through a strong and diverse civil society (own-initiative opinion)

New Justice, Rights and Values Fund

Vedtaget on 18/10/2018
Reference: 
SOC/599-EESC-2018-02950
Referral: 
COM(2018) 383 final 2018/0207 CODCOM(2018) 383 final 2018/0207 CODCOM(2018) 384 final 2018/0208 CODCOM(2018) 384 final 2018/0208 COD
Rapporteur: 
Jean-Marc ROIRANT (France)

The Justice, Rights and Values Fund is a much-needed instrument for the promotion of EU values, fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law, and in support of a vibrant and diverse civil society. Overall funding should be increased to EUR 1.4 billion, and innovative funding tools be used to reinforce civil society participation and capacity. 50% of the different strands should be earmarked for civil society organisations, and funding for litigation in support of civil society organisations defending fundamental rights be supported. Synergies should be found with programmes supporting media freedom.

Udvalgets udtalelse: New Justice, Rights and Values Fund

The Union's budget and the rule of law

Vedtaget on 18/10/2018
Reference: 
SOC/598-EESC-2018-02955-00-01-AC-TRA
Referral: 
COM(2018) 324 final 2018/0136 COD
Rapporteur: 
Jukka AHTELA (Finland)

The EESC welcomes the proposal for economic corrective measures regarding Member States that commit serious violations of the rule of law in Europe, and recommends that the interdependence between democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law is better reflected.  The Commission should develop further channels for debate on Article 2 TEU values, and should include the EESC in this work. The EESC reiterates its call for the creation of a system of regular and independent monitoring of the implementation of these values in the Member States.

Udvalgets udtalelse: The Union's budget and the rule of law

European control mechanism on the rule of law and fundamental rights (own-initiative opinion)

Vedtaget on 19/10/2016
Reference: 
SOC/536-EESC-2016-01275-00-01-ac
Rapporteur: 
José Antonio MORENO DÍAZ (Workers - GR II / Spain)
Co-rapporteur: 
Ákos TOPOLÁNSZKY (Diversity Europe - GR III/Hungary)

Alarming political decisions have shown that the EU lacks adequate instruments to safeguard fundamental values and the rule of law. A new European mechanism on the rule of law and fundamental rights is needed. The mechanism should include a regular assessment of Member States in a governance "policy coordination cycle", similar to the European Semester. The EESC should play an active role, as this will make for strong civil society involvement. The mechanism must be based on indicators, taking into account the indivisibility of fundamental economic, social and cultural rights and civil and political rights.

 

 

Udvalgets udtalelse: European control mechanism on the rule of law and fundamental rights (own-initiative opinion)

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