EPP Group demands fast action on rule of law mechanism

Following today's judgment by the European Court of Justice, the EPP Group demands fast action by the European Commission to start implementing the Regulation. "The last remaining obstacle for the rule of law conditionality mechanism has now been removed", Petri Sarvamaa MEP, the EPP Group's Spokesman on Budgetary Control, said. "Our message goes straight to the Commission, and I want to be very clear: It is high time to start implementing the Regulation. The clock cannot be restarted to play for time. The Commission must act really fast."

"This verdict strengthens all those who defend the rule of law. The rule of law is essential for the functioning of our democracies and protecting our values and freedoms", Jeroen Lenaers MEP, the EPP Group's Spokesman on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, added. "We cannot stand by idly when the rule of law continues to be dismantled by governments of EU Member States. This is about the fundamental functioning of our Union. European Commission, it is time to act", Lenaers added.

"The facts are undisputed. We all know how the rule of law situation has been deteriorating for too long not only in Hungary and Poland but, to some extent, also in some other Member States", added Sarvamaa, who also served as Parliament's Chief Negotiator of the rule of law conditionality mechanism in 2019. "We finally need to use the best tool we have to prevent European money from sponsoring autocrats."

The European Parliament will debate today's verdict this afternoon. The debate will begin around 16.00 hrs.