European Parliament adopts decision on the 2024 Rule of Law Report by the EU Commission
On June 18, 2025, the European Parliament (EP) adopted its decision on the European Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report, emphasizing the urgent need for independent and effective judicial systems staffed by highly qualified professionals. The decision condemns interference in corruption investigations and the misuse of judicial systems for political purposes in member states.
The resolution, drafted by MEP Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D, Portugal), was adopted with 405 votes in favor, 210 against, and 36 abstentions. It calls for stronger enforcement of EU values and European Court of Justice rulings, warning that the legitimacy of the EU legal order is at risk.
Key Highlights of the Decision:
Deterioration in the protection of minorities and vulnerable groups was underscored, with a renewed call to classify hate crimes and hate speech as EU-level criminal offenses.
The use of spyware against journalists and civil society actors, as well as the spread of disinformation undermining democratic processes, was firmly condemned.
The decision urges the full implementation of recent EU legislation, including the Media Freedom Act.
A significant recommendation was made to more strictly link EU funding to member states’ compliance with the rule of law.
Contribution from the Western Thrace Turkish Federation
The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) had contributed to Mendes’ report in February 2025 through MEP Loránt Vincze (EPP, Romania), who also serves as President of the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN).
In its input, ABTTF:
Called on all EU member states to ratify the Council of Europe’s European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.
Urged EU institutions to cooperate with international organizations such as the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the United Nations (UN) on minority rights issues.
This latest EP resolution signals increasing concern over democratic backsliding and a growing consensus within EU institutions that rule of law conditionality must become a cornerstone of EU governance moving forward.
