In its resolution adopted on 29 April 2026, the European Parliament (EP), emphasising that the European Union (EU) is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, noted that these values must be consistently upheld and actively promoted by all Member States, and that any weakening of these values constitutes a systemic threat to the rights and freedoms of people living in the EU.
The resolution on the report, drafted by MEP Kostas Arvanitis (GUE/NGL, Greece) and addressing issues such as the rule of law, press freedom, judicial independence, the fight against corruption, the protection of civil society and the integration of social and economic rights, was adopted by the European Parliament plenary with 387 votes in favour, 191 against and 46 abstentions.
The resolution underscores that the rule of law is based on its binding nature over all public authorities and on every individual’s effective right to access an independent and impartial court, indicating that fair and accessible justice is a fundamental principle of the rule of law requiring an independent judicial system.
The resolution condemns the misuse of the judicial system for political purposes, including the suppression of political opponents and interference in corruption investigations, and explains that politically motivated trials undermine public confidence in constitutional principles and EU standards.
The resolution highlights the importance of the role of civil society and civil society organisations in the protection of minorities and the fight against discrimination and calls on Member States and the European Commission to continue improving the legal and regulatory environment for civil society and to provide effective protection for human rights defenders, including through rapid intervention mechanisms against threats.
The resolution also calls on the European Commission to consult with the European Parliament in advance during the preparation of the Rule of Law Report and, where possible, to carry out on-site visits to Member States in order to present a more comprehensive picture of the local situation.
The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) submitted its proposed amendments regarding the resolution on the report drafted by MEP Kostas Arvanitis via the office of MEP Loránt Vincze (EPP, Romania), Chair of the EP Intergroup on Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages, in December 2025.
ABTTF called on the European Commission to include a new chapter in future rule of law reports focusing on combating all forms of discrimination and hatred, including those directed against national minorities, whilst it further encouraged the EU to accede to the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ECRML).
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