Law & Justice

Germany: Link EU Funding to Rule-of-Law Adherence

May 31, 2017

Politico reports that, concerned with the inability of EU institutions to discipline Poland over its ongoing constitutional conflict, a German position paper on EU budget rules seeks a way to withhold the bloc's "cohesion funds" for developing regions from countries that fail to uphold "fundamental principles of the rule of law.”
Officials Push for EU Sanctions on Poland

May 17, 2017

Reuters reports that, at a recent meeting of foreign ministers of EU member states, officials from multiple countries recommended that the EU impose consequences on Poland if the government fails to resolve its rule-of-law dispute with the Constitutional Court in line with demands from the European Commission.
EP Committee Approves Ban on ‘Hate Speech’ in Online Videos

April 26, 2017

The European Parliament’s (EP) culture committee has approved a legislative proposal that could require online social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter to remove video content deemed to contain “hate speech” that could offend viewers or encourage violence.
German Government Stops Sending Migrants Back to Hungary

April 12, 2017

The German government has announced that it will no longer send migrants back to Hungary after accusations that Hungary’s treatment of migrants is in violation of international and EU law.
EU Considers Ultimatum over Migrant Resettlement

April 05, 2017

The Times reports that, according to EU sources, leaders of the bloc's member states are planning to issue an ultimatum to Poland and Hungary to abide by EU policies mandating the resettlement of migrants within their territories or "get out of the EU."
ECJ Approves Student Visa Denial for Public Security

April 05, 2017

Politico reports that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled national governments “enjoy a wide discretion” in the visa approval process and may deny student visa requests based on “potential” public security threats.
EU Official Backs off Polish Sanction Threat

March 30, 2017

Faced with Polish resistance over the European Commission's demands under the EU Rule of Law Mechanism to resolve a conflict over the country's Constitutional Tribunal, Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans has signaled his body will not pursue sanctions under the Mechanism, as such a step would be "self-defeating."
EU Plans "Multi-Speed" Prosecutor's Office

March 30, 2017

EurActiv reports that EU leaders have bypassed concerns from countries that an EU Public Prosecutors' Office will become a centralized justice ministry that takes competences from EU member states by brokering an "enhanced cooperation" deal permitting EU members the choice whether to recognize the powers of this new EU prosecutorial body.
ECJ Permits Employer Bans on Religious Symbols

March 30, 2017

An outline of a recent Court of Justice of the EU (ECJ) case by attorneys from the law firm Littler highlights the significant impact of the case, in which the ECJ ruled that employers may ban employees from wearing Islamic headscarves but only if they are implementing a "neutral" policy that applies to all religious symbols, on businesses throughout the EU.
EU Proposes Action Plan on Illicit Drugs

March 30, 2017

The European Commission has proposed a new EU Action Plan to combat the use of illicit drugs in the bloc, calling for enhanced EU capacities and legislation to counter drug demand and supply and to further international cooperation.