@AmnestyEU welcomes the publication of the @EU_Commission’s first report on the state of the #RuleOfLaw across the #EU.

A #THREAD on what this means, why it matters and what YOU can do about it https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬇️" title="Pfeil nach unten" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach unten">

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_1756">https://ec.europa.eu/commissio...

1/ The @EU_Commission intends for this report to form the basis for a new #RoL mechanism meant to ‘strengthen a common understanding of the RoL in the EU and enhance mutual trust’. If done properly, it can indeed be a crucial step forward in #HumanRights protection across the EU

2/ The report comes out following yet another attempt by the govt of #Hungary to discredit the @EU_Commission, in particular VP @VeraJourova. We stand behind her & the EC in their fight to uphold #HumanRights & call on @Vonderleyen to step up action.

3/ We fully acknowledge this was not an easy exercise especially with issues around #COVID19. We congratulate all involved for getting this enormous task done in time for further use of the report in the @EU_Council and elsewhere.

4/ https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✅" title="Fettes weißes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes weißes Häkchen">today’s report covers important topics & acknowledges strong #EU role in protecting #RoL.

The #RoL interpretation is, however, narrow. It leaves out many #HumanRights forming part and parcel of #RoL, incl #Equality, #FreedomOfExpression, #FreedomOfAssembly.

5/ Room for improvement? Sure! For one, the report is mild on the threats facing #CivilSociety across the EU. Repression of civil society is unacceptable, not just ‘reason for concern’. Civil society in HU is not just under pressure, but under a deliberate & sustained attack!

6/ #RoL protects #HumanRights. One cannot go without the other. It is vital for the @EU_Commission to closely link this process to other work to really enforce the ‘tripod’ of #Democracy, #RuleOfLaw & #FundamentalRights ( #DRF).

7/ A clear strategy should be developed to spell out & ensure this clear interconnection between #DRF, between the existing & future mechanisms & tools AND between the institutions. Let’s see how @Europarl_En DRF report by @MSimecka develops!

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20200918IPR87418/european-values-towards-a-permanent-monitoring-mechanism-against-backsliding">https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/p...

8/ This #RoL mechanism does not in any way replace other tools incl #Article7 & infringement procedures. These must continue when necessary and today, the people of https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🇭🇺" title="Flagge von Ungarn" aria-label="Emoji: Flagge von Ungarn"> & https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🇵🇱" title="Flagge von Polen" aria-label="Emoji: Flagge von Polen"> need YOUR help! https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="📢" title="Lautsprecheranlage" aria-label="Emoji: Lautsprecheranlage">https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✍️" title="Schreibende Hand" aria-label="Emoji: Schreibende Hand">https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👇" title="Rückhand Zeigefinger nach unten" aria-label="Emoji: Rückhand Zeigefinger nach unten">

https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/take-action/europe-rule-of-law/">https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-in...

9/ The report should not only form a basis for dialogue within and among the EU institutions & member states, but also for real enforcement action. Concrete recs to member states would help affect real change on the ground. Read @AmnestyEU / @HRDN_EU recs: https://hrdn.eu/2017/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Submission-to-the-European-Commission-in-the-framework-of-the-stakeholder-consultation-for-the-Rule-of-Law-Report.pdf">https://hrdn.eu/2017/wp-c...

10/ #RuleOfLawMatters. Without #RoL your #HumanRights & freedoms cannot be protected. We need to stand up for everyone’s rights.

How does #RoL affect your life? Listen to these personal stories from #Hungary to learn more. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👇" title="Rückhand Zeigefinger nach unten" aria-label="Emoji: Rückhand Zeigefinger nach unten"> https://www.amnesty.eu/news/defending-rule-of-law-in-hungary/">https://www.amnesty.eu/news/defe...

11/ The #EU must stand up for RoL & human rights when member states threaten them, as in #Hungary & #Poland. Failure to address serious threats will have a negative impact on the whole Union, which is built on mutual trust.

12/ The @EU_Commission and @EuroParl_EN are taking important steps in this direction. Now it’s time for the EU governments to do the same; their action in the @EU_Council is key. This is where YOU can make a difference.

13/ https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="📢" title="Lautsprecheranlage" aria-label="Emoji: Lautsprecheranlage">https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✍️" title="Schreibende Hand" aria-label="Emoji: Schreibende Hand"> Take action now and call on #EU governments to stand up for human rights and the #RuleOfLaw.

Because the #RuleOfLawMatters.

For #HumanRights and for an #EU where people can live in #freedom, in #dignity and #equality.   https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/take-action/europe-rule-of-law/">https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-in...