On 12 May, European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders participated in an online debate hosted by the European think-tank Friends of Europe.

The debate focused on the rule of law in times of crisis, also covering topics such as emergency measures in EU member states, the role of the private sector, data privacy and tracing apps. The digital and green transitions were also discussed.

In his intervention, Reynders highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic is a significant shock to our system and that emergency measures limiting the fundamental rights of the citizens are needed. However, he reminded that the measures must always be necessary, proportionate, limited in time, and in line with European common values and the rule of law.

In this context, Reynders stated that the European Commission has established a monitoring mechanism to follow up on the measures adopted by each member state and to determine whether these measures are in line with European values. He added that the European Commission has several tools – such as monitoring, application of infringement procedures, political pressure to express concern, and the capacity to ask the European Court of Justice – to ensure that the rule of law is respected during the crisis, and announced that the first-ever annual report on rule of law will be published in autumn 2020, with follow-up debates at the national level.

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