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.

Commission’s rule of law report

Parliament’s resolution welcomes the improvements in the Commission’s annual reporting tool, many of which are in line with Parliament’s previous recommendations. However, a number of issues remain. MEPs demand that the scope of the analysis be expanded to cover the entire range of EU values, linking findings to the activation of tools for the protection of the EU’s values and budget, and recognising deliberate backsliding in some countries.

They show particular concern over press freedom and pluralism, and warn that journalists will continue to be at risk as long as institutions do not prosecute…