In plenary session, the European Parliament adopted by a large majority (398 votes in favour, 85 against and 69 abstentions), on Thursday 28 March, a resolution prepared by the Civil Liberties Committee (LIBE) calling on the European Union institutions and Member States, in particular Malta and Slovakia, to close the gaps in the rule of law, the fight against corruption and the protection of journalists.
Malta. On Malta, MEPs encourage the EU institutions and Member States to open an independent international public inquiry into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia (see EUROPE 11885/2) and the alleged cases of corruption, financial crimes, money laundering, fraud and tax evasion, involving current and former Maltese officials, that the blogger has reported.
They also urge the Maltese government to implement all the recommendations of the Council of Europe's Venice Commission, such as the end of "golden visas". These permits allow non-Member State nationals to enjoy free movement within the EU, or even to acquire European citizenship, in return for a substantial investment. They can present serious risks for the fight against money laundering, all while effectively selling European citizenship (see EUROPE 12178/2).
Slovakia. With regard to Slovakia, although they welcome the indictment by the Slovak authorities of the instigator and alleged perpetrators of the murders of journalist Ján Kuciak and his partner Martina Kušnírová, members of Parliament call for the investigation to continue at the national and international level. In their view, it is important to shed light on all aspects of the case, including any possible political connection to these crimes.
According to Sophie in't Veld (ALDE, Netherlands), chair of the EU Rule of Law Monitoring Group set up in June 2018 after the murders (see EUROPE 12035/31), the arrests in Slovakia prove that European pressure and cooperation are producing results.
"Cooperation with Europol has enabled the Slovak authorities to arrest suspects in the murders of Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová. And, under pressure from the EU, the Maltese government is slowly starting to modernise problematic laws", she said.
The resolution also calls on the Slovak government to quickly adopt transparent and objective rules and procedures for the selection of the country's new police president and to ensure the safety of journalists and freedom of the media.
In addition, the resolution renews, once again, Parliament's request to the European Commission to present a proposal for a mechanism for an impartial and regular assessment of the situation of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights in all Member States (see EUROPE 12137/5). (Original version in French by Damien Genicot – intern)