Slovenia formally assumed the six-month rotating presidency of the European Council on Thursday (1 July) – amid criticism in opposition to its conservative prime minister Janez Janša, who’s seen as following Hungary and Poland in undermining the rule of regulation and democratic values within the EU.
“The Slovenian presidency might be decisive. The duties might be difficult,” stated European Fee president Ursula von der Leyen, just some days after a row broke out at an EU leaders’ summit over the brand new anti-LGBTIQ regulation accepted by Hungary.
“Belief that variety and equality are at all times revered, and that the rule of regulation and European values are at all times upheld… is the very essence of our European Union,” she added.
Chatting with the press, Janša stated that the Slovenian presidency might be an “sincere dealer” in human-rights disputes amongst member states.
He added that there have been no main variations amongst EU leaders over the past summit in Brussels, however “a honest dialogue” on human rights and “what rights have precedence”.
In the meantime, Slovenia is at the moment the one nation that has but to ship its candidates to the European Public Prosecutor’s Workplace (EPPO) – a physique accountable for uncovering and prosecuting fraud involving EU funds.
Throughout her go to to Ljubljana, European Fee president Ursula von der Leyen stated Slovenia should cooperate with the EPPO and appoint its candidates immediately, warning that that is “essential to guard EU taxpayers cash”.
“As we collectively put together and finance our restoration, belief is our most beneficial asset,” von der Leyen additionally stated, acknowledging that there are different devices to regulate and supervise EU funds.
Following months of standstill and makes an attempt to dam the number of EPPO nominees from transferring ahead, Slovenia’s prime minister Janez Janša annulled the choice proposed by the nation’s prosecution council final Could.
EU lawmakers have referred to as on the EU fee for the suspension of EU funds to Slovenia, arguing that the federal government’s determination to cancel the appointment of the 2 prosecutors represented “an unacceptable violation of the rule of regulation”.
Prime minister Janša instructed reporters on Thursday that the brand new choice process is anticipated to be completed by Autumn, declaring that nationwide establishments in member states have to guard EU funds.
The brand new European public prosecutor’s workplace launched on 1 June with out the participation of Hungary, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, and Eire.
The populist Janša has additionally been accused of placing media freedom in danger, particularly after chopping funding for the Slovenian nationwide information company STA.
Reporters With out Borders have raised issues in regards to the current assaults of the prime minister on Slovenian and worldwide journalists, warning that there was a danger that Slovenia will use the EU presidency “to impede efforts to strengthen media freedom in Europe”.
Von der Leyen referred to as on the Slovenian authorities to cease blocking funds for STA, stressing that “free, unbiased, and correctly funded media” is essential for the democratic debate.
Notably, the chief of the Inexperienced Deal and former EU commissioner for rule of regulation, Frans Timmermans, didn’t be part of the standard household photograph.
“I merely couldn’t be on the identical podium with prime minister Janša after his unacceptable assault on and defamation of two judges and two MEPs,” Timmermans stated in an announcement.
He was referring to an image that Janša confirmed the collegue of commissioners with two judges and two MEPs recognized as political enemies, in keeping with Slovenian media.
“Judicial independence and respect for the function of elected MEPs are cornerstones of the rule of regulation, with out which the EU can’t perform. We will by no means cease calling out those that assault it,” Timmermans added.