Renew Europe commits to continue to uphold the rule of law and fundamental EU values

by Roxana Lazarescu

Renew Europe firmly advocates equal access to justice for all European citizens, without discrimination. The European Union must guarantee the respect of fundamental rights and the protection of victims through independent and impartial justice systems.

Our group is deeply committed to defending the rule of law and has fought for an increase of funding for the dedicated programmes under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021–2027. Throughout the legislative procedure, Renew Europe has supported the Rights and Values and the Justice Programmes that aim to protect the European values.

We believe that the Rights and Values programme will give the EU the tools to strengthen its capacity to respond to the deterioration of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights while reinforcing its prevention mechanisms.

MEP Anna Donath (Momentum, Hungary), Renew Europe shadow rapporteur for LIBE Committee on the Rights and Values Programme:

At a time when the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights are put under pressure by the pandemic and illiberal governments, the Citizenship, Equality, Rights and Values programme will be a crucial tool for the EU to promote, protect and develop our common EU values. In the next 7 years, the programme will provide support to the work of countless organisations defending EU values, fighting discrimination and injustice, protecting victims of violence and fostering cross-border dialogue about our common history, culture and identity. It is now important that we turn to implementation and ensure that the programme truly helps build the capacity of civil society at EU, national and local level. A thriving civil society is a crucial component of a healthy democracy.

Renew Europe has said it numerous times before and we insist: in times of populism, illiberalism and extremism, it is essential to focus on the rule of law, which is the fundament of the European Union. We need a strong Justice Programme.

MEP Stephane Séjourné (Renaissance, France), Renew Europe shadow rapporteur for JURI Committee on Justice Programme

This programme is the achievement of all our speeches on the rule of law. Because a fairer justice system is one where everyone knows their rights, where the application of our common rules is uniform, where the independence and impartiality of the judicial system are guaranteed”.

MEP Ramona Strugariu (PLUS, Romania), Renew Europe shadow rapporteur for LIBE Committee on Justice Programme

I am glad our efforts ensured a large majority of the resources for the promotion of the rule of law, independence and impartiality of the judiciary and the effective implementation of the Union’s legal instruments. I am confident that through the proper use of these resources, we will guarantee a healthier and stronger justice for the Union and its citizens.