Brussels, 03/12/2015 (Agence Europe) - At a debate in the European Parliament on the fundamental rights situation in Hungary, on Wednesday 2 December, the Commission said that it has not so far seen any evidence of a systematic threat to the rule of law in the country, despite the many proceedings launched since 2011, related in particular to compliance with European law.
Addressing the MEPs, the European Commissioner for Justice, Vera Jourova, read out the list of proceedings launched against Budapest, over such matters as the treatment of migrants, discrimination against the Roma, state aid to the media and the construction of a nuclear power station. So far, however, the Commission has not identified any conditions which would allow it to start investigations under the 'rule of law' mechanism, the Commissioner explained.
This mechanism, which the Commission set in place in 2013, makes it possible to take preventive measures against a state if a risk of a systematic threat against the fundamental values of the EU emerges (see EUROPE 10915). This mechanism is an alternative to article 7 of the Treaty, which can go as far as to suspend the voting rights of a country at the Council of the EU. On Monday, the Commission approved a European Citizens' Initiative calling upon it to activate article 7 against Hungary (see EUROPE 11442). This decision is reported to have made waves within the College of European Commissioners, with Jean-Claude Juncker having to remind Tibor Navracsics of his obligation of impartiality, according to EUobserver.
The Commission's stance came as a disappointment to some of the MEPs. Sweden's Cecilia Wikström (ALDE) described the Commission's reaction as “pathetic”. Her Dutch colleague, Sophie in't Veld, also expressed annoyance at the failure of the European institution to act. She argued that the Commission is making do with a “narrow legalistic approach”. “But are the Hungarians free and happy? No”, said the Dutch Liberal, referring to arrests of members of the opposition and the many “restrictions of liberties” reported in Hungary. Certain MEPs also expressed concerns about other countries, such as Poland, which is “taking its example from Hungary”, in't Veld regretted. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)