Renew Europe will seek legal action against the European Commission for failure to apply the Rule of Law Conditionality Mechanism
Renew Europe has had enough of the constant delaying tactics and playing for time - the Rule of Law Conditionality Mechanism, applicable since 1 January 2021, must promptly be applied by the Commission. The situation in a number of Member States needs to be scrutinised, and actions taken, without delay.
We will therefore urgently table a parliamentary resolution, to be voted by MEPs next week, seeking legal action via the triggering of Article 265 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. We call on all MEPs to support our demand; the rule of law in Europe is non- negotiable.
Dacian Cioloş, President of Renew Europe, says:
"Renew Europe fought tooth and nail to establish the Rule of Law conditionality mechanism, which creates a link between upholding the Rule of Law and receiving EU funding. The European Parliament gave the Commission the deadline of 1 June to enforce the regulation that has been applicable as of 1 January 2021. Now the deadline is not met, our group intends to push for the triggering of Article 265 in the Treaties in order to take legal action against the Commission for its failure to act. The credibility of the European Union is at stake. We have made a commitment to the citizens of Europe who now expect us to be consistent. It is urgent to act"
Renew Europe is ready to build a majority in the European Parliament for a resolution pushing to take the Commission to court, and we call on the other political groups to join forces with us.
Katalin Cseh, Vice-President of Renew Europe and co-rapporteur of the resolution, summarises:
”The Rule of Law Conditionality Mechanism is Union law since January 1, and Renew Europe will not back down until it is properly implemented. By delaying its application, the European Commission plays into the hands of autocrats like Viktor Orbán who wish to use our historic Recovery Fund for his own financial gains, propping up oligarchs and family members before the 2022 elections. Waiting for the adoption of guidelines by June 1 was already a generous compromise from the side of Parliament. As of today, even this extended deadline has passed. Hence, we have to hold the Commission accountable for non-action at the European Court of Justice. We have said it loud and clear, and we will say it again: the era of procrastination is over."
For more information, please contact
Caroline Rhawi
Mob : +46 (0)73 912 70 77