Democracy Impacts

Polish Tribunal Rules ECtHR Cannot Question its Judges

December 01, 2021

Poland's Constitutional Tribunal, rejecting a ruling by Europe's top human rights court in May, said that the European Court of Human Rights had no power to question its appointment of judges.
Politico: Macron Edging away from Europe

November 18, 2021

Following the Polish constitutional court’s decision to reject the primacy of the Court of Justice of the European Union, the debate has been reopened in France and many French presidential contenders, both right and left, have sided with Warsaw, calling for France to assert the primacy of its own constitution, or even its own individual laws, over European legislation.
ECJ Blasts Hungary Over Anti-Migrant Law

November 16, 2021

Following Hungary’s 2018 legislation making it a criminal offense for organizations and individuals to aid immigrants and refugees apply for asylum, The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that Hungary broke EU rules.
European Committee of Social Rights Publishes Guide for Cooperation with NHRIs and NEBs

October 27, 2021

The European Committee of Social Rights, the Council of Europe's (COE) committee for monitoring the implementation of the European Social Charter, has published a guide that explains how the Committee and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and National Equality Bodies (NEBs) can cooperate in promoting the Charter rights in COE member states.
Kalnoky: EU Emphasizes Power over Values in Row with Poland

October 27, 2021

In an opinion piece published in DW, Hungarian commentator Boris Kalnoky opines that the struggle between EU officials and the Poland Law and Justice Party is less about the rule of law than it is about the fundamental nature of power relations between the EU and national governments.
ECtHR Rejects Turkey's Attempt to Prohibit Criticism of President

October 20, 2021

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has concluded that Turkey's conviction of Vedat Şorli for "insulting the President" with a photo and cartoon posted to Facebook violated his right to freedom of expression.
EU Alleges Russia's Involvement in 'Malicious' Cyber Activities

October 06, 2021

Josep Borell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has accused Russia of recent hacking efforts directed toward multiple EU member states.
French Candidate Barnier Calls for Legal Sovereignty for France

September 10, 2021

Michel Barnier, former Brexit chief negotiator for the EU and potential candidate for next year’s French presidential election, reportedly called for "a referendum on the question of immigration" saying France must regain its "legal sovereignty in order to no longer be subject to the judgments" of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights.
EU to Seek Daily fines Against Poland over Dispute

September 08, 2021

As the long running dispute continues between the European Union and Poland over Poland's judicial system, the European Commission moved this week to force Poland to comply with the rulings of the European Court of Justice or face daily fines.
Ukraine Foreign Minister Pushes for EU Membership

August 25, 2021

As Ukraine celebrated 30 years of independence from the Soviet Union, and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba made an appeal to the EU calling the bloc to reach out to its Eastern neighbors to create a more dynamic and competitive Union.