EP adopts resolution against Hungary, Poland

The European Parliament on Thursday adopted a resolution condemning Hungary and Poland in connection with the EU’s Article 7 procedures launched earlier against those two countries.

The resolution was adopted with 446 votes in favour, 178 against and with 41 abstentions.

Through its non-binding resolution, the EP expressed its concerns about the independence of the judiciary as well as the issues of freedom of speech, corruption, minority rights and the situation of immigrants and asylum seekers in Hungary.

According to the resolution, the rule of law “has deteriorated” in both countries.

MEPs have asked the European Council to provide the two countries with recommendations, including deadlines, in order to guarantee their observance of EU law. They noted that “the failure by the Council to make effective use of Article 7 continues to undermine the integrity of common European values, mutual trust and the credibility of the European Union as a whole”.

The EP said it expects the European Commission to use every means possible, including infringement procedures or temporary measures before the European Court, to prevent Hungary and Poland from breaching the bloc’s fundamental values any further.

The resolution says that a mechanism is needed to protect democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in member states, involving annual procedures to evaluate member states according to uniform criteria.

Based on a report by MEP Judith Sargentini, the EP adopted a resolution in September 2018 proposing that the European Council establish Hungary’s breach of the EU’s fundamental values. The Sargentini report focused on Hungary’s constitutional and electoral systems, the independence of the judiciary, corruption, as well as the freedoms of expression and scientific research.