Greece (Brussels Morning) Recent Eurobarometer surveys highlight significant public concern across Europe regarding human rights and the rule of law. In July 2024, 72% of Europeans emphasized the importance of the EU in upholding the rule of law within their countries. Additionally, over 60% of respondents reported awareness of various EU legislation on justice, rights and values, underscoring the public’s engagement with these critical issues.
These findings prompt a critical question: Is Europe unified in its commitment to upholding its foundational values, or do regional and ideological divides threaten the EU’s integrity?
Over the past five years, the European Commission has implemented several initiatives to uphold human rights and the rule of law across the European Union. Introduced in 2021, the Rule of Law Conditionality Mechanism links the disbursement of EU funds to member states’ adherence to the rule of law principles. It enables the EU to withhold funds from countries where rule of law deficiencies threaten the Union’s financial interests. This tool has been pivotal in addressing concerns in nations such as Hungary and Poland, where judicial independence and media freedom have come under scrutiny. In Hungary, Victor Orban’s government has consolidated media control and faced allegations of corruption, leading to the EU freezing 6.3 billion euros in funds under the Rule of Law Conditionality Mechanism.
Poland’s judiciary reforms and “LGBT-free zones” have drawn condemnation and infringement procedures. In response, the European Commission froze funds allocated to Poland. However, in early 2024, the Commission approved the release of up to 137 billion euros in EU funding to Poland, signaling a potential shift towards resolving rule-of-law concerns. As a result, public support for EU membership in Poland has experienced fluctuations. As of March 2024, 77% of Polish respondents supported EU membership, marking the lowest level in the observed period.
Moreover, in September 2020, the EU launched the Anti-Racism Action Plan. This plan aims to step up action against racism and racial discrimination across the EU. It outlines measures to tackle racism through EU law, closer coordination, and the adoption of a national action plan against racism. Yet transnational networks, such as the European Network Against Racism (ENAR), have played a key role in shaping EU policy by advocating for universalist approaches to anti-racism. While these frameworks promote equality, they sometimes risk overlooking the historical baggage of European imperialism and the specific experiences of racially marginalized communities.
Additionally, the European Commission adopted on 24th June 2020 its first EU strategy on victims’ rights (2020-2025). The main objective is to ensure that all victims of all crimes can fully rely on their rights, no matter where in the EU or under what circumstances the crime took place. It outlines actions to empower victims and work together for victims’ rights.
Divided Views on the EU’s Rule of Law Efforts
Despite the EU’s actions, Europeans are divided on the Union’s efforts to safeguard judicial independence and media freedom, with significant differences in perception across the bloc. While many support the EU’s role in upholding these democratic principles, others see its actions as interference in national sovereignty. As previously mentioned, the majority of individuals in Western Europe believe that the EU plays a significant role in upholding the rule of law within member states. Furthermore, according to Eurobarometer surveys, 70% of EU citizens believe corruption is widespread in their country, and 64% find it unacceptable, making it clear that EU engagement is necessary a pivotal in their opinion.
Conversely, in Eastern European countries like Hungary and Poland, EU interventions are sometimes perceived as infringements on national sovereignty. Governments in these nations often frame EU actions as overreach, influencing public sentiment. However, this perspective is not uniform among citizens. For instance, in Poland, while the government has resisted certain EU measures, a major portion of the population remains supportive to EU mechanisms aimed at addressing governance issues.
The European Union’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental rights through initiatives like the Rule of Law Conditionality Mechanism as well as the Anti-Racism Action Plan is a testament to its dedication to democratic values. Nonetheless, the public perception of these efforts across Europe remains divided. Eastern countries have become flashpoints where EU policies are both praised and criticized. As the EU continues to navigate these challenges, it must balance its universal values with respect for the diverse historical and political contexts of its member states. The future of EU governance will depend on its ability to bridge these divides, fostering greater cohesion while remaining steadfast in its commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
In this complex landscape, the EU,s actions and the evolving perceptions of its citizens will ultimately shape the trajectory of its efforts to create a more inclusive, equitable and democratic Europe. It is clear that while the road ahead may be challenging, the need for solidarity and adherence to shared values remains as vital as ever.
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