By Bella Cezara Popescu Called off when the country faced the choice between aligning with its Western allies or risking democratic backsliding into Putin’s sphere of influence, Romania’s ongoing presidential elections have brought about several unprecedented political decisions and candidates. For example, the round held on November 24th (later annulled by the Constitutional Court) has,Continue reading “Romanian elections: The shock and its on-going aftermath.”
Category Archives: Rule of Law
Why The Cooperation and Verification Mechanism Failed, And What Can Replace It?
By Vasil Vasilev Introduction On July 5, 2023, the European Commission announced that it was about to take the final steps to terminate the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM), which monitored the state of legality in Bulgaria and Romania. A few months later, on September 15, that became a reality with Decision (EU) 2023/1785. TheContinue reading “Why The Cooperation and Verification Mechanism Failed, And What Can Replace It?”
Sabalić v. Croatia or the impact of an incorrect criminal characterisation to fundamental rights
By Kyriaki Papadopoulou For centuries, homosexuality has been disapproved and even considered illegal. It should raise concerns that 62 of 193 UN member states criminalise consensual same-sex acts, while two UN member states criminalise them de facto but not in legislation. In reality, the thorn in our (legal) culture is not gay people, but thoseContinue reading “Sabalić v. Croatia or the impact of an incorrect criminal characterisation to fundamental rights”
The “Antidemocratic Turn” in Europe
By Ilaria Sacco Democracy is losing currency while an antidemocratic turn is moving forward in Europe, states Freedom House, an NGO that conducts research on democracy and political freedom. Its annual report, Nations in Transit, measures progress and setbacks in democratization in 29 countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. The 2021 edition was named “The AntidemocraticContinue reading “The “Antidemocratic Turn” in Europe”
Fidesz quits the EPP: A new powershift in the European Parliament?
By Robin Vandendriessche On Wednesday the 8th of March 2021, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered on his promise to quit the European People’s Party group (EPP Group) in the European Parliament after new rules were approved that would allow the center-right block to suspend or exclude members. The motion, clearly intended to deal withContinue reading “Fidesz quits the EPP: A new powershift in the European Parliament?”
European Studies Review 