The EU and the rule of law

Summary:

How are rule of law disputes affecting internal relations in the European Union (EU)? Sarah Overton investigates the cases of Hungary and Poland in this Explainer published by UKiCE.

Further information:

The latest EU Council summit saw tensions come to a head between Hungary and other member states following the Hungarian parliament’s approval of a new anti-LGBT+ law. This is one of a number of rule of law disputes which is affecting internal EU relations.

The majority of member states expressed concern about Hungary’s new law at the summit. Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, the only openly gay leader there, said the law was a ‘red line’. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte went further, saying that if Hungary refuses to withdraw the new law ‘there is nothing left for them in the EU’.