On Tuesday 5 November, French MEP Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield (Greens/EFA), who is responsible for monitoring the Rule of law in Hungary, told a group of journalists that the European Parliament intends to work on redefining the Rule of law in the European Union.
This undertaking will be welcome news to several political groups: the Greens/EFA, Renew Europe, the S&D— assured Mrs Delbos-Corfield—and even some members of the EPP.
"It is imperative to provide a new framework around the notion of the Rule of law, which should be based on European values. Because, as we have seen, not everyone has the same notion of what these values are", explained the MEP.
The date upon which this initiative will be launched is still to be determined.
A need for innovation
To go further with this matter, it is necessary to now be innovative, since "Article 7 [of the Treaty] is not sufficiently detailed", said Ms Delbos-Corfield, with regard to the outcome of a procedure on respect for the Rule of law in a Member State. It would be possible, according to her, to resort to economic sanctions without being limiting by them. Firstly, since the objective is not to punish Hungarians, but their government, and secondly, because this sanction would be more damaging to some Member States than others.
"One could imagine, as the ultimate sanction, of being deprived of a commissioner, and not taking part in certain things. But we have to take into account what is, or is not possible from a legal point of view [...] and I am not yet fully aware of what is possible", she said.
As for the proposal, put forward by the European Commission in July, to ensure annual monitoring of respect for the Rule of law in all Member States (see EUROPE 12298/2), it would certainly have an "impact". "This is an important procedure, which would require serious and independent action, but it is not enough", she nevertheless said.
A more integrated union and political courage
According to Ms Delbos-Corfield, whatever the envisaged sanctions, the solution lies in greater integration of the European Union with more responsibility. "For the time being, States have too much power and as long as this lasts, there will be no miracle solutions".
In an interview given to EUROPE on Monday 4 November, the MEP was of the opinion that the situation regarding the Rule of law in the EU will not progress without real political will (see EUROPE 12363/2).
The Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU hopes that the Hungarian Government will be heard a second time in December by the Ministers for European Affairs (see EUROPE 12328/1). (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki, intern)