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MEPs say it is time to send a clear signal that the European Parliament defends citizens’ rights.
That was the message from the Socialists and Democrats on 18 June ahead of the plenary vote on the 2024 Rule of Law report.
It comes, they say, at a time when fundamental rights are being challenged across Europe.
The Socialists say some political groups – extending from the EPP to the far right – are preparing to use the vote to strip key elements from the text.
The report is Parliament’s answer to the European Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report.
MEP negotiation at committee level sought to ensure positions in the report on key Rule of Law issues, including access to legal and safe abortion, LGBTIQ+ rights, protecting the role of civil society, combating disinformation, and many other topics.
But the S&D Group says these positions are now under threat. Ana Catarina Mendes, Rapporteur and S&D vice president, said, “When journalists are targeted by spyware in Italy, when reproductive freedom is threatened by a new nationalist president in Poland, when LGBTIQ+ rights are under attack in Hungary, Parliament needs to send a clear message.”
“I am proud that the text adopted in the committee includes strong wording on fundamental rights. This is needed now more than ever. We must protect women’s access to safe and legal abortions. We must stand up for the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community. We must ensure journalists are free to do their jobs, and civil society is empowered to speak up for people.”
“Parliament must send the message that the Rule of Law must be protected for everyone.”
Deletions to the report risk, said the S&D group, erasing references to same sex marriage and legal gender recognition for trans and intersex persons from the text.
A statement said, “The far right has also tabled amendments aimed at restricting space for civil society.”
If passed, this, they allege, “would represent a serious backlash against the Parliament’s previous strong stance on the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.”
Last month, MEPs in the European Parliament committee on civil liberties, justice and home affairs (LIBE) endorsed – with a large majority – the 2024 Annual Rule of Law Report. It included strong references to LGBTIQ+ rights, and sexual and reproductive rights. The report also highlights topics such as shrinking space for civil society, independence of the judiciary, independent and free media, as well as challenges posed by algorithm-driven content on social media and its impact on disinformation and democratic discourse.
