Concerns over rule of law in Greece raised at European Parliament
Concerns over the rule of law situation in Greece were discussed during a European Parliament meeting focused on democracy, justice and fundamental rights.
The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) participated in a meeting of the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group under the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) in Brussels.
Judicial independence and accountability discussed
During the meeting, recent developments regarding the rule of law in European Union member states were reviewed, with concerns over Greece related to judicial independence, high-level corruption investigations, media freedom and accountability in public administration.
Monitoring Group Chair Sophie Wilmès said Greece had been among the nine countries examined in detail during the first half of the year. She noted that concerns remained over the effectiveness of judicial procedures, corruption investigations and transparency of public officials despite consultations with EU institutions, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and civil society organizations.
Wilmès also emphasized the importance of protecting civil society organizations and removing administrative obstacles that limit their activities.
ABTTF calls for continued EU monitoring
ABTTF President Halit Habipoğlu said the concerns raised at the European Parliament showed that issues related to rule of law and democratic oversight mechanisms in Greece remained on the European agenda.
He added that effective protection of fundamental rights was not possible where the rule of law was weakened, and said the Western Thrace Turkish Minority had faced similar structural issues for years regarding freedom of association, education and religious autonomy.
Habipoğlu called on European Union institutions to continue closely monitoring shortcomings in Greece concerning rule of law and fundamental rights.
