During a joint debate on rule of law issues on Thursday, MEPs discussed with Commission Vice-President Jourová recent events and allegations of democratic backsliding in Greece, Spain, and Malta. They also voted on a resolution comprising Parliament’s assessment of the Commission’s 2022 rule of law report and the overall state of EU values.
Concerns in Greece, Spain, Malta, and across the EU
During the discussion that preceded the vote, many MEPs welcomed the Commission’s monitoring work, but demanded political courage and effective follow-up on findings, including corrective measures, especially in cases where things are not improving or where the backsliding is intentional.
Regarding Greece, the debate focused on judicial independence, corruption, and surveillance of journalists, political opponents, and other persons of interest. In the case of Spain, MEPs discussed judicial independence, legal reforms, and the deadlock in appointing members to the national council of the judiciary. As for Malta, the fight against corruption, the investigations and trials related to the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, and the overall political culture of the country were the main contentious points.
Parliament will wrap up the discussion about the situation in the three member states with a resolution, to be tabled during the 17-20 April plenary session.
Source: Eurparl
