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THREAD @EU_Commission asks 4 reflection when action already overdue. EU may be out of time because #2019Elections could produce a @Europarl_EN & Commission with 2 many MEPs (including mainstream) who don't want to protect #RuleOfLaw #Vote4Values bit.ly/2K2aPBO /1
Positive - @EU_Commission Communication reverses its position & finally acknowledges that the tools it has in place are inadequate to protect #RuleofLaw. Something @LibertiesEU & academics have maintained since 2014. bit.ly/2TUZG5P /2
Positive - important tools in pipeline: linking EU funding to respect 4 #RuleofLaw & funding for rights groups to create grassroots support among public to resist damaging reforms at national level. Both measures suggested by @LibertiesEU bit.ly/2CThus7 /3
Positive - @EU_Commission suggests using infringement proceedings more systematically 2 protect #RuleofLaw. Been overly cautious 2 do so in past because of restrictive interpretation of EU law by Commission legal service - despite arguments of academic experts & @LibertiesEU /4
Communication says EU needs better early warning system, better monitoring of countries, regular dialogue between EU and all governments. @LibertiesEU supports regular monitoring system proposed by EU Parl & other options: bit.ly/2HXi7oA bit.ly/2Ub9FJ7 /5
Some Commission suggestions won't work because they rely on good will of governments who aren't interested in improving #RuleofLaw. e.g. EU funding to improve judicial systems & technical support from EU & action plans 2 implement recommendations under #RuleofLaw framework. /6
Why has @EU_Commission waited so long 2 'reflect' when all possible options 4 improvement been on table for years from experts? Maybe COM felt it had to let saga with Poland play out in the Council to prove to governments that they needed to create something better. /7
