Legislative Procedures in the EU: Week 1 Overview

This framework was adopted by the Commission in 2014 to address shortcomings of Treaty instruments in responding to systemic threats to the rule of law.

This mechanism introduces monetary incentives for Member States to comply with rule of law standards. It serves as a tool to encourage good governance.

It refers to the ongoing process of monitoring, analyzing, and providing recommendations to Member States on their progress in upholding the rule of law. This cyclical approach aims to promote a continuous improvement.

This dialogue was established to ensure respect for the principle of conferred competences (the EU only has the power given to it by Member States) and avoid duplication of EU institutions' work.

It is a platform for Member States to discuss rule of law issues within the Council. The annual dialogue focuses on specific rule of law concerns and facilitates collaboration between Member States.

This comprehensive analysis provides specific country recommendations to improve judicial systems in Member States. It aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of justice systems.

It is a platform for objective, reliable, and comparative data on justice systems in Member States. The Justice Scoreboard informs the European Semester analysis and provides insights into the state of justice.

These actions, such as C-791/19 – Commission v Poland, target systemic breaches of fundamental rights. They aim to ensure the protection of fundamental rights within the EU.

The Communication 'Strengthening the rule of law within the Union' proposes a Rule of Law Cycle, which includes improving understanding and awareness of issues related to the rule of law in Member States.

The Commission can propose Article 7 TEU proceedings if a Member State fails to address rule of law recommendations after a dialogue. This demonstrates the EU's commitment to enforcing its values.

Efficient and independent justice institutions are crucial for an attractive business environment. They provide swift dispute resolution and contract enforcement, fostering trust among businesses and investors.

The Council established the Rule of Law Dialogue in December 2014 due to concerns raised by several Member States regarding the deterioration of the rule of law in some EU countries.

The EU's Rule of Law Toolbox evolved in 2013 with the launch of the Justice Scoreboard. This tool provides objective data on justice systems, contributing to a more robust approach to monitoring the rule of law.

The CJEU has become a leading voice in combating backsliding on the rule of law, taking on cases like C-791/19 – Commission v Poland. It is enforcing EU values and promoting a strong legal framework.

In 2019, the COMM recognized that fundamental principles like the separation of powers, loyal cooperation, respect for opposition, and judicial independence have been undermined.

The primary purpose of the Justice Scoreboard is to offer objective, reliable, and comparative data on justice systems in Member States. This data provides a basis for understanding the health of judicial systems.

If a Member State is found to have a systemic breach of fundamental rights, the Commission can initiate infringement proceedings. This sets in motion a process to address the violation.

The European Semester analysis, which uses data from the Justice Scoreboard, informs its analysis of Member States' economic performance. Weak rule of law can have negative economic impacts.

The aim of monetary incentives within the Rule of Law framework is to enforce rule of law standards through financial measures. This can be a powerful tool for encouraging adherence to EU values.