On Tuesday 16 September in Brussels, the European affairs ministers of the EU Member States took stock of the state of the rule of law in the European Union, on the basis of the Commission’s latest annual report.
The discussion, in which almost all the Member States took part, allowed them to welcome the new dimension linked to the internal market while respecting the rule of law. Clear support was also expressed for the principle of conditionality in the future Multiannual Financial Framework, according to one source.
At the end of the proceedings, the Danish Minister for European Affairs, Marie Bjerre, welcomed a “fruitful” discussion, which had highlighted positive trends, but also “serious violations” of the rule of law in certain Member States, without naming any.
The discussion also enabled the ministers to agree on “the need to further develop our ‘toolbox’” on the rule of law, she added.
Meanwhile, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, spoke of a question of “credibility” for the EU when it comes to defending the principles of the rule of law.
Also without naming any countries, she welcomed the progress made, but also noted the persistent difficulties in some countries with regard to the protection of journalists, justice systems and pressure on civil society.
She recalled that a first-ever European civil society strategy would be presented this year.
Enlargement. The EU Council also discussed, for the second time (see EUROPE 13489/4), the situation of the rule of law in the EU candidate countries, in this case Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.
“We have seen a lot of progress, but there are still major concerns”, stressed Marta Kos. “I’m talking about interference in legal proceedings, pressure on officials and civil servants conducting anti-corruption investigations, and the politicisation of the media. All this is unacceptable”, she insisted, reiterating that there will be no compromise on fundamental principles.
“Every negotiation begins and ends with these chapters. If there is no respect for the rule of law, there will be no membership”, she warned.
Neither Marta Kos nor Marie Bjerre mentioned the Serbian government’s crackdown on the demonstrations that have been taking place in the country for almost a year.
Recently, however, Marta Kos adopted a firmer stance towards Serbia, after its president, Aleksandar Vučić, made remarks against environmentalist MEPs. “Calling MEPs ‘scum’ shows a dubious understanding of democracy”, she quipped (see EUROPE 13705/19).
Aleksandar Vučić continues to maintain that Serbia’s strategic priority remains EU membership (see EUROPE 13646/25) and that these demonstrations are having a “detrimental” effect on the country’s image and economic attractiveness.
At this stage, the Commission is refusing to comment on the possible impact of these remarks on Serbia’s EU accession process. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic and Isalia Stieffatre)