State of the rule of law in the EU and threats to European values

The EU Parliament has voted on a Commission report on the state of the rule of law in the EU in 2024 and the threat to European values. The report refers to the current assessment by the EU Commission as well as recent developments in the member states with regard to compliance with fundamental European values. The focus is on concern about increasing regression in the preservation of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. MEPs also emphasize the need for expanded political and legal instruments to effectively monitor, detect early and counteract violations of these fundamental values. Particular attention should also be paid to protecting vulnerable groups and strengthening the independence of the judiciary, media freedom and democratic rights. The report specifically mentions Hungary's ongoing violations of EU values ​​and points to political influence over the prosecutor's office and misuse of EU funds. Parliament calls on the Council to release the blocked Article 7 procedures. The report serves as the EU Parliament's contribution ahead of the Commission's report on the rule of law 2025, which is expected in July. The MEPs are demanding, among other things, more binding recommendations and improved methodology from the Commission. Attention: The voting results shown on the right only reflect the voting behavior of the 96 German MEPs and not that of all 720 MEPs. Overall, the report was adopted with 405 votes in favour, 210 against and 36 abstentions. Of the German MEPs, 60 voted for and 17 against. There were eight abstentions.

Vote breakdown