Berlin encounters skepticism over proposal for scrutiny of Human Rights Convention - European Lawmakers Approve Legislative Proposal
E nine European Countries Call for Review of European Convention on Human Rights
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office circulated a letter to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), alongside Denmark, Poland, Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic. The joint call aims to re-examine the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
The signatories, primarily motivated by concerns over the ECtHR's interpretation of the ECHR, particularly in migration and asylum politics, have expressed the need for a "new and open discussion" on the convention's definition [1][2][5].
Italy and other participating countries have faced legal action before the court for their handling of migrants, with judgments or recommendations to modify practices being handed down against Italy and Denmark.
The coalition governments, largely driven by right-wing yet including some socially democratic governments, are accused of seeking to undermine independent courts and weaken human rights protections in favor of national security interests [4].
The Green Party leader, Banaszak, describes the recent initiative as a gift to the far-right and a threat to the rule of law. He further emphasizes that he expects "especially from our socially democratic partners in Europe" to be aware of their responsibility for upholding the rule of law.
Left-wing German politicians, Katrin Fey and Clara Bünger, have branded the move by the nine EU states as "shocking." They argue that the ECHR protects the dignity and rights of every person, regardless of origin or status, and that human rights are non-negotiable.
The controversial letter has raised concerns about the separation of powers, especially in the area of migration policy, and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal and a notable proponent of the ECHR, recently voiced his opposition to the move [3].
The German Vice-Government Spokesman, Sebastian Hille, has referenced comments by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) during his visit to Rome, suggesting a more assertive stance on migration policy. However, Germany, although actively engaging in European discussions about limiting legal migration, has not officially joined the initiative.
Despite the contentious nature of this call forreview, a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Justice has underscored the importance of the ECHR and its case law for the protection of human rights in Europe, affirming their commitment to the ECtHR's judgments.
Background:The cited European Convention on Human Rights, enacted in 1953, outlines essential rights including the right to life, the prohibition of torture, freedom of expression, and protection of family life. The joint call intends to reconsider the interpretation of the ECHR to address contemporary migration challenges more effectively [5].
Sources:1. TheGuardian.com, "Italy and Denmark urge review of European Convention on Human Rights." Accessed on May 22, 2025.2. Politico.eu, "Italy, Denmark ask for review of European Human Rights Court." Accessed on May 22, 2025.3. Euronews.com, "Portugal and others criticize call for review of European Human Rights Convention." Accessed on May 22, 2025.4. BBC.com, "A new conversation on human rights?" Accessed on May 22, 2025.5. Europarl.europa.eu, "European Convention on Human Rights." Accessed on May 22, 2025.
- The group of nine EC countries, including Italy, Denmark, Poland, Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic, have called for a review of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), primarily due to concerns over its interpretation in migration and asylum politics.
- The call for a review of the ECHR is not without controversy, as some politicians, such as Banaszak, the Green Party leader, and Katrin Fey and Clara Bünger from the left-wing, argue that it could undermine the rule of law and weaken human rights protections.
- On the other hand, some politicians, like German Vice-Government Spokesman Sebastian Hille, have suggested a more assertive stance on migration policy, hinting at potential support for the initiative while maintaining Germany's commitment to the ECHR and its case law.
