Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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123. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the European Commission’s article seven actions against Poland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32044/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Upholding European values as set out in the EU Treaties is at the core of the work of the EU. The rule of law is a fundamental principle for all EU Member States.

Under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, there have been a number of hearings at the General Affairs Council over the past three years involving Poland, the Commission, and other Member States. Ireland has actively participated, highlighting the importance we attach to respect for the rule of law.

Most recently, at the September General Affairs Council, the Commission provided an update regarding the Rule of Law situation in Poland and Hungary, under the Article 7 procedure. The German Presidency confirmed that the Council will remain seized of both matters and further hearings will be held in December of this year. To this end, we believe that the Article 7 process should continue.   

In tandem, the Commission continues to use other instruments at its disposal to uphold the values of the Union. The Court of Justice of the European Union has issued a number of decisions in relation to Poland and we encourage the Polish authorities to continue to engage and address the concerns that have been raised.

The recent publication by the European Commission of the first Annual Report on the Rule of Law situation across the European Union, as well as the associated annual dialogue on the topic at the General Affairs Council, are important means to support and strengthen Rule of Law across all Member States and to create a shared understanding of Rule of Law as a fundamental principle of the European Union. 

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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124. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the European Commission’s article seven actions against Hungary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32045/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Upholding European values as set out in the EU Treaties is at the core of the work of the EU. The rule of law is a fundamental principle for all EU Member States.

Our concerns about issues relating to the rule of law in Hungary are well known, particularly around: judicial independence; civil society space; media freedom; academic freedom; and fundamental rights.

Under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, there have been a number of hearings at the General Affairs Council over the past two years involving Hungary, the Commission, and other Member States. Ireland has actively participated, highlighting the importance we attach to respect for the rule of law.

Most recently, at the September General Affairs Council, the Commission provided an update regarding the Rule of Law situation in Hungary and Poland, under the Article 7 procedure. The German Presidency confirmed that the Council will remain seized of both matters and further hearings will be held in December of this year. To this end, we believe that the Article 7 process should continue. 

In tandem, the Commission continues to use other instruments at its disposal to uphold the values of the Union. The Court of Justice of the European Union has issued a recent decision in relation to Hungary and we encourage the Hungarian authorities to continue to engage and address the concerns that have been raised.

The recent publication by the European Commission of the first Annual Report on the Rule of Law situation across the European Union, as well as the associated annual dialogue on the topic at the General Affairs Council, are important means to support and strengthen Rule of Law across all Member States and to create a shared understanding of Rule of Law as a fundamental principle of the European Union.