On Wednesday, 17 November 2021 from 12:15-13:30 CET, we held a digital panel discussion entitled Threats and Challenges to the Rule of Law, organised by the European Movement International. By bringing together the perspectives of activists, representatives of civil society and leading political figures, panelists shared their views on the challenges and state of the Rule of Law in Europe and how they can foster citizen engagement and change.

Our panel included:

• Brando Benifei MEP (S&D), Vice President of the European Movement International
• Daniel Freund MEP (Group of the Greens/EFA)
• Vladimir Međak, Vice-President, European Movement Serbia
• Marcin Święcicki, President, European Movement Poland
• Beatrix Benczur, President, European Values Association, Hungary

Moderated by Petros Fassoulas, Secretary General, European Movement International.

At a time when Europe is confronted with breaches of the rule of law, its toolbox to address such challenges is being put to the test. Ever since the initiation of the European project, the Rule of Law has formed a cornerstone of the European construction and is one of the founding principles of our Union. On several occasions, however, Member State and non-Member State governments have been undermining the Rule of Law in their own jurisdictions. 

The European Union institutions need to ensure compliance with the Rule of Law to protect and foster democracy in the European Union. At the same time, civil society organisations play a fundamental role in the protection of the Rule of Law principles and their work must be safeguarded and supported in shaping Europe’s future. 

The livestream is available here: