Enforces strict adherence to legal principles
In a series of developments, the European Union (EU) finds itself at odds with Hungary and Poland over allegations of violations of the rule of law principles.
The European Commission last took action against these violations in March 2025. On the 13th of that month, the Commission initiated measures against Hungary, citing concerns related to the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the EU Parliament Vice-President, Katarina Barley, has asserted that both Poland and Hungary have been overruled regarding the rule of law clause. Barley, a member of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD), insists on enforcing the rule of law mechanism.
The rule of law issue in Poland has been a long-standing concern, with the dispute stretching back five years. Similarly, the issue in Hungary has been ongoing since 2010, with the Fidesz party and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in power.
Barley believes that the rule of law issue is a contagious disease and has crept into other countries like Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. She emphasises that the EU Commission must now show that the 'grace period' is over.
Orbán, the Hungarian leader, seems financially strapped, as both Poland and Hungary rely heavily on European funds, which amount to 3-4% of their GDP. However, the EU Parliament Vice-President believes that the EU has the upper hand in this dispute.
Despite the Commission's past actions, Barley insists that the Commission has not done enough to address the rule of law concerns in Hungary and Poland. She calls for stronger action to uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law within the EU.
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