It is clear that when a violation occurs, European action remains too fragmented, inconsistent, and ineffective. Moreover, the current assessment instruments are only partially effective in properly monitoring the rule of law tendencies and timely identifying of worrying trends. This situation can no longer continue. It harms not only our credibility, legitimacy, and mutual trust between Member States but, above all, the adequate protection of all European citizens against violations of their rights and freedoms.
We cannot simply lament these violations. That is why Renew Europe has decided to put forward a concrete, ready-to-use proposal for the European institutions. This proposal builds on ideas previously discussed in past legislative terms, updating, consolidating, and expanding them.
Specifically, inspired by the European Semester in budgetary matters, we propose the establishment of a Rule of Law Semester[1], assigning clear responsibilities to each institution.
[1] The proposed cycle differs from the European Commission’s rule of law cycle, which remains an internal exercise within the institution.
