Assita Kanko on the Reynders rule of law report: “Strong states governed by the rule of law are essential for the future of the EU”

Today, the European Commission and the European Commissioner responsible for the rule of law, Didier Reynders, published the very first EU-wide report on the rule of law. The report addresses four issues in all 27 EU countries: the justice systems, the fight against corruption, media pluralism and media freedom, and checks and balances.

Tomorrow, Commissioner Reynders will present the report to the European Parliament’s Committee on Justice and Home Affairs. MEP Assita Kanko has the N-VA group’s speaking time on that committee. “After the Second World War, Europe decided that it would act and work together according to shared values. Our values support everything, from the way we fight crime to the internal market and our foreign policy. Those values can never become optional.”

Rules and standards

According to Assita Kanko, Europe cannot afford to have some countries think they are untouchable once they become members. “As with any club, there are rules, standards, rights and responsibilities. Democracy and the rule of law are not synonymous. The rule of law protects the minority against the tyranny of the majority. We must ensure that there is a balance between the two.”

Preventing political games

Regarding how the report may affect current debates on the rule of law, Assita Kanko says: “I hope that this report is a valuable addition to a broader strategy. Compliance with the rule of law and supervision of Member States must be done in an independent, objective and constructive manner so that we can avoid many of the internal conflicts and political games that we have seen in recent years.”

Serious challenges in some Member States

The report acknowledges that “serious challenges” lie ahead for the EU in some Member States. The European Commission will give warnings on its very first audit of issues regarding the rule of law. “Complacency affects the rule of law, just as rust affects a car. The sooner these problems are addressed, the better. The EU is only as strong as its weakest link. Without respect for the rule of law throughout the EU, we cannot use instruments such as the European Arrest Warrant in good faith.”

A good example in Flanders

“I am pleased that the Flemish Association of Journalists and the hotline for physical or verbal aggression against journalists were selected as good initiatives in the main report. It’s a good example in Flanders. Ensuring that countries have a free press that is protected from intimidation is essential for any democracy,” Assita Kanko concludes.