EU executive chides Poland, Hungary for democratic deficiencies
1 year, 6 months ago

EU executive chides Poland, Hungary for democratic deficiencies

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The report said there were still “serious concerns" related to the state institution intended to safeguard the independence of courts and judges, and said “there are legitimate doubts as to its independence.” It also said that “serious doubts remain” about the appointment of several supreme court judges. The report assessed the recommendations made last year and found that in a half dozen cases, ranging from judicial independence to media freedom and anti-corruption measures, “no progress” had been made. It also criticized Budapest on journalistic independence, saying “there have been no developments to address the various challenges to media pluralism.” The EU's fourth annual report on the rule of law in the 27 member states noted progress on about two-thirds of its recommendations but said that systemic concerns remain about some member states.

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History of this topic

The EU’s executive decides to end legal standoff with Poland over democracy concerns
8 months ago

The EU’s executive decides to end legal standoff with Poland over democracy concerns

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union’s executive decided on Monday to end its 6-year dispute with member state Poland, saying Prime Minister Donald Tusk has initiated the necessary changes to reverse what the bloc called the previous government’s backsliding on democratic principles. “Today, marks a new chapter for Poland,” said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling the breakthrough the …

EU to drop rule-of-law dispute with Poland
8 months ago

EU to drop rule-of-law dispute with Poland

Al Jazeera  

European Union says Poland has launched a series of measures to address concerns about judicial independence. “Today, marks a new chapter for Poland,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, calling the breakthrough a result of the country’s determined reform efforts. “The ongoing restoration of the rule of law in Poland is great for the Polish people and our …

EU to begin releasing billions of euros to Poland that were frozen over previous government policies
10 months, 1 week ago

EU to begin releasing billions of euros to Poland that were frozen over previous government policies

The Independent  

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EU welcomes Polish plan to address concerns about democratic backsliding
10 months, 3 weeks ago

EU welcomes Polish plan to address concerns about democratic backsliding

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Senior European Union officials on Tuesday welcomed a plan by Poland’s new government to address concerns about democratic backsliding and expressed hope that it could end years of legal wrangling. In 2017, the European Commission launched a so-called Article 7 legal procedure, which threatened to suspend Poland’s EU voting rights “to protect the rule of law in Europe.” …

The EU launches legal action against Hungary over new law accused of targeting critics
11 months ago

The EU launches legal action against Hungary over new law accused of targeting critics

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union on Wednesday launched legal action against Hungary’s right-wing government over a new law that allows authorities to investigate and prosecute people accused of undermining the country’s sovereignty. The European Commission, which monitors the application of legislation across the 27 EU member countries, said Hungary’s measure “violates several provisions” of the bloc’s law and that it …

EU launches legal action against Hungary’s ‘sovereignty’ law
11 months ago

EU launches legal action against Hungary’s ‘sovereignty’ law

Al Jazeera  

The legislation is viewed as a threat to political opponents, media and civil society. The European Commission has launched legal action against Hungary for its recent enactment of laws on “protecting national sovereignty”. The European Union executive said on Wednesday that it has sent a formal notice to Budapest informing it that the legislation violates the bloc’s democratic values and …

EU, Germany press Poland over 'serious' cash-for-visas scandal
1 year, 3 months ago

EU, Germany press Poland over 'serious' cash-for-visas scandal

The Hindu  

The European Union and Germany on Wednesday pressed the Polish government to clear up allegations about "serious" visa fraud in a scandal with politically sensitive ramifications for Warsaw's partners in the bloc. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser called her Polish counterpart Mariusz Kaminski Tuesday and her ministry asked Warsaw's envoy to Berlin to appear over the issue, officials said. "Unfortunately, …

EU executive chides Poland, Hungary for democratic deficiencies
1 year, 6 months ago

EU executive chides Poland, Hungary for democratic deficiencies

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union’s executive on Wednesday chided Poland and Hungary for democratic deficiencies that have been accerbated by measures taken or left unaddressed by the current governments. While the EU Commission’s annual rule of law report noted a smattering of improvements in the two nations, it also underscored many remaining shortcomings that highlight the standoff between the Brussels-based …

EU launches legal action against Poland over new Russian influence law
1 year, 7 months ago

EU launches legal action against Poland over new Russian influence law

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union on Thursday launched legal action against member country Poland over a contentious new law that the nationalist government claims is meant to combat Russian influence but which critics say could be used to persecute opposition politicians. The European Commission said it believes that the new law “unduly interferes with the democratic process,” and that it …

EU launches legal action against Poland over new Russian influence law
1 year, 7 months ago

EU launches legal action against Poland over new Russian influence law

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The European Union on Thursday …

EU top court says that Poland’s justice reform infringes EU law
1 year, 7 months ago

EU top court says that Poland’s justice reform infringes EU law

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union stepped up its rule-of-law fight with member state Poland on Monday when the bloc’s highest court confirmed that Warsaw had refused to comply with EU rules on judicial independence for which it has already lost more than 500 million euros in fines. The Court of Justice of the EU ruled that Poland’s 2019 justice reform …

EU top court says that Poland's justice reform infringes EU law
1 year, 7 months ago

EU top court says that Poland's justice reform infringes EU law

The Independent  

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Top EU court rules Poland’s justice reforms infringe EU law
1 year, 7 months ago

Top EU court rules Poland’s justice reforms infringe EU law

Al Jazeera  

European Commission brought case over 2019 changes that bar Polish courts from applying EU law in some cases. The European Court of Justice, the European Union’s highest court, has ruled that Poland’s 2019 justice reforms infringe the bloc’s rule of law. On Monday, the Luxembourg-based ECJ said Poland’s ruling Law and Justice Party’s judicial reforms were damaging the independence of …

EU institutions pile more pressure on Hungary over rights
1 year, 8 months ago

EU institutions pile more pressure on Hungary over rights

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The four biggest groups in the European Union’s legislature added more pressure on Hungary on Monday to counter what they see as steadfast deterioration in rule of law and democratic principles in the central European member state. The Christian Democrat, Socialist, Liberal and Green groups — in addition to the smaller Left group — issued a joint letter …

Polish leader asks court to vet bill that’s key for EU aid
1 year, 11 months ago

Polish leader asks court to vet bill that’s key for EU aid

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — Poland’s President Andrzej Duda said Friday he is sending a controversial new law on judicial accountability for constitutional review instead of rejecting it, because it could help unfreeze billions in European Union funds earmarked for Poland. Brussels has suspended payment of the pandemic recovery funds to Warsaw saying the government’s policies of exerting control over the judiciary, …

Poland prepares changes to judicial law to unblock EU funds
2 years ago

Poland prepares changes to judicial law to unblock EU funds

The Independent  

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Hungary faces reckoning with EU that could cost it billions
2 years, 3 months ago

Hungary faces reckoning with EU that could cost it billions

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — After his headline performance at Hungary’s Sziget Festival last month, pop star Justin Bieber held a grandiose party for his staff in a luxurious countryside setting — a 19th century castle owned by the son-in-law of the country’s prime minister. in the highest levels of government.” EU commissioner Hahn’s memo also pointed to irregularities in public procurements …

EU lawmakers declare that Hungary is no longer a democracy
2 years, 3 months ago

EU lawmakers declare that Hungary is no longer a democracy

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — European Union lawmakers on Thursday declared that Hungary has become “a hybrid regime of electoral autocracy” under the leadership of its nationalist government, and that its undermining of the bloc’s democratic values had taken Hungary out of the community of democracies. The lawmakers said that Hungary — which its populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban characterizes as an “illiberal …

EU legislators say Hungary is no longer a ‘full democracy’
2 years, 3 months ago

EU legislators say Hungary is no longer a ‘full democracy’

Al Jazeera  

Hungary is furious after MEPs voted 433 in favour and 123 against a resolution declaring the country in breach of EU norms. Hungary has reacted furiously to a vote in the European Parliament that declared that the country was no longer a “full democracy” and that the European Union needed to act. With their vote, the EU lawmakers endorsed a …

EU lawmakers declare that Hungary is no longer a democracy
2 years, 3 months ago

EU lawmakers declare that Hungary is no longer a democracy

LA Times  

European Parliament members meet in a plenary session on Wednesday in Strasbourg, eastern France. European Union lawmakers on Thursday said that Hungary’s nationalist government is deliberately trying to undermine the bloc’s democratic values and they deplored the failure of the 26 other EU countries to take action that would bring the country back into line. The French Greens parliamentarian who …

Hungary to set up anti-corruption agency to unlock EU funds
2 years, 4 months ago

Hungary to set up anti-corruption agency to unlock EU funds

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary’s government has pledged to set up its own anti-corruption agency in an effort to unlock billions in European Union funding that the bloc has withheld over rule-of-law and graft concerns. Prime Minister Viktor Orban signed the decree published late Monday which will establish an “independent authority to prevent, detect and correct illegalities and irregularities” concerning the …

Hungarian lawmakers propose curbing power of EU Parliament
2 years, 5 months ago

Hungarian lawmakers propose curbing power of EU Parliament

Associated Press  

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Lawmakers in Hungary passed a resolution Tuesday that calls for curbing the power of the European Union’s parliament, arguing that it has steered democracy in Europe into a “dead end.” The resolution, adopted by members of Hungary’s governing Fidesz party, advocates giving national parliaments the ability to veto any legislation proposed at the EU level, thereby reducing …

EU rule of law report decries situation in Poland, Hungary
2 years, 5 months ago

EU rule of law report decries situation in Poland, Hungary

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union’s executive on Wednesday decried the rule of law situation in Poland and Hungary, centering on perceived breaches in their judiciary and media in its annual report. Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, who also holds the job of prosecutor-general, said the report was “yet another blackmail by the EU.” He insisted that Poland’s government shouldn’t be …

Poland changes judiciary law; demands EU release COVID funds
2 years, 6 months ago

Poland changes judiciary law; demands EU release COVID funds

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — Poland has replaced a controversial body that disciplined judges with a new accountability panel — the latest twist in a long-running dispute with the European Union over the country’s judicial independence — and Poland’s leading politician said Tuesday he hoped the EU would have a “proper” reaction to the move. “I hope the reaction will be proper …

Polish lawmakers back removing judicial body EU criticized
2 years, 7 months ago

Polish lawmakers back removing judicial body EU criticized

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — Polish lawmakers on Thursday approved removing a controversial disciplinary body within Poland’s top court that the right-wing government has used to sanction outspoken judges and which has drawn condemnation from the European Union. Poland’s government expects the removal of the divisive Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court to end its drawn-out spat with the EU, paving the …

EU starts process to cut funding to Hungary over rule of law
2 years, 9 months ago

EU starts process to cut funding to Hungary over rule of law

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Commission will launch proceedings to suspend support payments to Hungary for breaching the 27-nation bloc’s rule-of-law standards, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday. Von der Leyen’s announcement at the European Parliament came two days after Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared victory in Sunday’s election, claiming a mandate for a fourth term. Von …

EU says concerns over rule of law in Poland persist
2 years, 10 months ago

EU says concerns over rule of law in Poland persist

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — A top European Union official said Tuesday that serious concerns remain about the respect for rule of law in Poland despite plans by the country’s president to abolish a disputed legal chamber. Vera Jourova, a European Commission vice president, said the EU’s executive arm is currently analyzing a proposal by Polish President Andrzej Duda to replace the so-called …

EU can withhold funds from Hungary, Poland, top court rules
2 years, 10 months ago

EU can withhold funds from Hungary, Poland, top court rules

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — In a ruling hailed as a boost to democratic values, the European Union’s highest court said Wednesday that the 27-nation bloc can suspend support payments to member states if they breach rule of law principles. When it comes to democratic principles, “the European Union must be able to defend those values, within the limits of its powers,” the …

EU takes legal action against Poland over rule-of-law dispute
3 years ago

EU takes legal action against Poland over rule-of-law dispute

Al Jazeera  

Poland says the EU’s decision reflects a trend towards ‘bureaucratic centralism’ in Brussels that ‘has to be stopped’. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Wednesday said the EU’s decision reflected a trend towards “bureaucratic centralism” in Brussels that “has to be stopped”. Attack on sovereignty Poland’s Deputy Justice Minister Sebastian Kaleta hit back by calling the EU announcement “an attack …

Most Poles think Warsaw should give ground in EU dispute: Survey
3 years, 2 months ago

Most Poles think Warsaw should give ground in EU dispute: Survey

Al Jazeera  

New poll suggests strong public disapproval of the stance the Polish government has taken in legal row with Brussels. Nearly three-quarters of Poles think Warsaw should accept some or all European Union demands to roll back domestic judicial reforms the bloc says violate the rule of law, a new survey has indicated. Tuesday’s IBRiS poll for Poland’s Rzeczpospolita newspaper suggested …

EU leaders are 'highly worried' about Poland, Rutte says in Brussels
3 years, 2 months ago

EU leaders are 'highly worried' about Poland, Rutte says in Brussels

Dutch News  

The overwhelming majority of European leaders are ‘highly worried’ about the actions of the Polish government, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said after the first day of the EU Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels. “There was a clear message from the overwhelming group of the leaders at the table that we are highly worried about the situation in Poland” …

EU leaders are 'highly worried' about Poland, Rutte says in Brussels
3 years, 2 months ago

EU leaders are 'highly worried' about Poland, Rutte says in Brussels

Dutch News  

The overwhelming majority of European leaders are ‘highly worried’ about the actions of the Polish government, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said after the first day of the EU Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels. “There was a clear message from the overwhelming group of the leaders at the table that we are highly worried about the situation in Poland” …

EU Parliament to file lawsuit against Commission over ‘failure’ to punish countries who ‘violate’ rule of law
3 years, 2 months ago

EU Parliament to file lawsuit against Commission over ‘failure’ to punish countries who ‘violate’ rule of law

CNN  

CNN — The European Union is facing mounting pressure from its own lawmakers to withhold funds to Poland as an ongoing spat between Warsaw and Brussels intensifies. On Tuesday, lawyers for the European Parliament were asked to prepare a lawsuit against the European Commission – the bloc’s executive arm – over its “failure” to punish member states who “violate the …

EU warns Poland it will pay for challenging common law
3 years, 2 months ago

EU warns Poland it will pay for challenging common law

CNN  

The European Commission’s chief executive warned Poland on Tuesday that its challenge to the supremacy of European Union law called into question the very foundations of the 27-nation bloc and could not go unpunished. Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal ruled last week that parts of EU law are incompatible with the Polish constitution, undermining the legal pillar on which the union stands …

EU faces crisis over controversial Polish court ruling
3 years, 3 months ago

EU faces crisis over controversial Polish court ruling

Al Jazeera  

Leading European politicians accuse Warsaw of ‘playing with fire’ in an acrimonious dispute over the primacy of EU law. A Polish court ruling challenging the supremacy of European Union law has plunged the bloc into an existential crisis, increasing fears among EU policymakers and many Poles that Poland could eventually quit the EU. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the …

Poland challenges supremacy of EU law in snub to Brussels
3 years, 3 months ago

Poland challenges supremacy of EU law in snub to Brussels

Al Jazeera  

Poland’s top court has challenged the supremacy of European Union law in a landmark ruling, widening the diplomatic rift between Warsaw and Brussels. The court also warned EU institutions not to “act beyond the scope of their competencies” by interfering with Poland’s judiciary, which has been a major bone of contention with Brussels. The ruling prompted a stern warning from …

Brussels calls for daily fines on Poland over threat to judicial independence
3 years, 4 months ago

Brussels calls for daily fines on Poland over threat to judicial independence

The Telegraph  

Brussels on Tuesday asked the European Court of Justice to impose daily fines on Poland over rules it says undermines the independence of Polish judges. The European Commission said it wanted the EU’s top court to "impose financial penalties on Poland to ensure compliance" with the Luxembourg-based court’s order. Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders told Polsat News broadcaster that Brussels wanted …

Poland’s president sees need for law change after EU censure
3 years, 5 months ago

Poland’s president sees need for law change after EU censure

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — Poland’s President Andrzej Duda said Friday he sees the need for changes to his country’s law on disciplining judges, in a significant shift in tone on an issue that has brought a tense and drawn-out spat with European Union authorities. Duda was commenting on letters from the head of Poland’s top court appealing to him and other …

EU says democratic standards under threat in Poland, Hungary
3 years, 5 months ago

EU says democratic standards under threat in Poland, Hungary

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Democratic standards in the European Union are eroding in several member countries, particularly in Hungary and Poland where judicial independence is under threat, the EU’s executive commission said Tuesday in its annual report on adherence to the rule of law. The European Commission has also started legal action against Poland and Hungary for what the EU’s executive arm …

EU Launches Legal Action Against Hungary, Poland Over LGBTQ rights
3 years, 5 months ago

EU Launches Legal Action Against Hungary, Poland Over LGBTQ rights

News 18  

The European Commission on Thursday launched legal action against the conservative governments of EU members Hungary and Poland in response to measures seen as discriminating against LGBTQ citizens. Hungary’s so-called “anti-paedophilia” law, which among other things bans the “promotion” of homosexuality and gender reassignment to under-18s, came into force last week despite many warnings from Brussels and pushback by EU …

Poland’s top court rejects EU court injunctions as invalid
3 years, 5 months ago

Poland’s top court rejects EU court injunctions as invalid

Al Jazeera  

Constitutional Tribunal says even though Poland is an EU member, domestic issues concerning judiciary and court system remain sole purview of Polish authorities and legislation. Poland’s constitutional court has ruled that interim measures imposed on the Polish judicial system by the top European court are against the country’s constitution, accelerating the collision course between Poland’s right-wing government and Brussels. “The …

Poland stokes fears of EU exit as court defies bloc over reforms
3 years, 5 months ago

Poland stokes fears of EU exit as court defies bloc over reforms

The Telegraph  

Poland's membership of the EU was plunged into uncertainty on Wednesday after its judges defied a European court order to reverse some of its controversial judicial reforms. Stanisław Piotrowicz, a senior Polish judge, said that interim measures by the EU’s highest court, which ordered Warsaw to suspend the reforms, were “not in line” with the Polish constitution. “Against the wishes …

EU warns Hungary and Poland it will take action if they keep violating democratic standards
3 years, 6 months ago

EU warns Hungary and Poland it will take action if they keep violating democratic standards

LA Times  

European Commissioner for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova, left, and French European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune before their meeting at the European Council building in Luxembourg on Tuesday. “Freedom of expression needs to be protected, and no one should be discriminated on the basis of sexual orientation,” European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova said. “The commission is now looking into …

It’s time for action to defend European democracy, says Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld
3 years, 11 months ago

It’s time for action to defend European democracy, says Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld

Dutch News  

The European Union’s stand-off with Hungary and Poland on the rule of law has been overshadowed by the more immediate crises of Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic, but that shouldn’t obscure its significance, says Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld. People who are in opposition or critical journalists in those countries feel they have the backing of the European Union, …

It’s time for action to defend European democracy, says Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld
3 years, 11 months ago

It’s time for action to defend European democracy, says Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld

Dutch News  

The European Union’s stand-off with Hungary and Poland on the rule of law has been overshadowed by the more immediate crises of Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic, but that shouldn’t obscure its significance, says Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld. People who are in opposition or critical journalists in those countries feel they have the backing of the European Union, …

Hungary sticks to veto of EU budget over rule-of-law issue
4 years, 1 month ago

Hungary sticks to veto of EU budget over rule-of-law issue

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hungary's prime minister on Wednesday called the European Union's proposed …

Poland, Hungary veto EU budget over rule-of-law issue
4 years, 1 month ago

Poland, Hungary veto EU budget over rule-of-law issue

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — Poland and Hungary on Monday vetoed the European Union’s next seven-year budget and a massive coronavirus recovery plan due to a new mechanism that links EU funding to the rule of law, plunging the 27-nation bloc into a political crisis. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s press chief Bertalan Havasi said Monday that Orban had written a letter …

Hungary Plans To Veto EU Budget And COVID Recovery Scheme, Poland Could Follow
4 years, 1 month ago

Hungary Plans To Veto EU Budget And COVID Recovery Scheme, Poland Could Follow

News 18  

BUDAPEST/WARSAW: Hungary plans to veto the European Union’s 2021-27 budget and its post-COVID recovery scheme, and Poland could follow suit as both object to a proposal to make funding conditional on member states’ adherence to the rule of law. Nationalist governments in Budapest and Warsaw have been at odds with European partners for years over a perceived erosion of democratic …

Small Lithuania has outsized role as EU faces Belarus crisis
4 years, 4 months ago

Small Lithuania has outsized role as EU faces Belarus crisis

Associated Press  

WARSAW, Poland — Lithuania is relatively small by European Union measures, but it is playing an outsized role as protesters in neighboring Belarus face a brutal law enforcement crackdown following a presidential election they say was rigged. Belarus’s northern neighbor also is “ready and considering the possibility of accepting Belarusians, suffering from the ongoing brutalities, on humanitarian grounds,” Lithuanian Foreign …

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