Changes from report parliamentary committee draft to plenary report

Change 9

AddedEXPLANATORY STATEMENT

AddedThe European Union is founded on the common values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty of European Union, common to all Member States and its people The values, namely democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights are mutually reinforcing and - especially in the 75th year of the Schuman declaration it is important to uphold and defend them.

AddedThese values cannot be taken for granted and we see backlash across the union, and therefore the European institutions must stand as a beacon of its defence.

AddedFree, independent and pluralistic media is a key element of democratic oversight and therefore rule of law. Free, independent media is a watchdog against abuse of power and therefore remains an important element of checks and balances of democratic societies. The erosion of journalistic freedom and independence be it through misinformation and disinformation, concentration of media ownership, state propaganda and the lack of safety for independent journalists including SLAPP lawsuits undermines citizens’ trust in the system as well as its accountability.

AddedGuaranteeing access to sexual and reproductive rights and health, namely access to free and legal abortion, as well as the respect for LGBTIQ rights is upholding the respect for the rule of law and for equality before the law. The backsliding in legal protections disproportionately affects certain groups of people, limiting their rights and hence hindering equality before the law. Several governments have passed legislation that directly targets LGBTIQ persons and by this violating the principle of Equality before the law.

AddedDemocratic resilience and accountability also come from a strong and free civil society, and the shrinking space for civil society organizations — including restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly and protest — poses a grave challenge to the rule of law and democracy. Increasingly, civil society actors face legal and administrative obstacles, surveillance, and even criminalization. In addition, civil society also faces restrictions in terms of funding.

AddedThe manipulation of public opinion and distortion of democratic debate must be fought against - platform algorithms are an emerging threat to the rule of law and democratic processes, including elections and in its transparency lie the fight against disinformation and the safeguard of democracy.

AddedFinally, the judiciary must be shielded from political interference through robust safeguards. Judicial independence depends not only on institutional design but also on the protection and autonomy of those who serve within it.

AddedThis report of the European Parliament aims to shed light on these issues and their development during the last one year and call on the European Commission to uphold its role as guardian of the treaties and to defend the European project - one of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights.