The Portuguese Presidency of the UE Council had the courage to insert in the agenda of the General Affairs Council (June 22) the Rule of Law violations one assists in Poland and Hungary.

Since the procedures of the Article 7 of the EU Treaty were used against both countries, a decision has been postponed and even the discussion by EU peers, on a subject of high severity and that much suffering has inflicted to the Polish and Hungarians who assist to a democratic set back in their countries.

If the values of Equality, Freedom, Democracy, Rule of Law or Respect for Human Dignity and Human Rights are violated by a EU Member-State, article 7 of the Treaty may and shall to be used imposing preventing or restrictive measures.

For this to happen it is necessary a decision by majority of 4/5 of the Member-States.

The Portuguese Human Rights League – Civitas appeals to the stopping of the destruction and dismantling of the EU fundamental values, for the good of all Europe and of those who live in it.

To do nothing, is to allow the destruction spreading of the fundamental pillars of our societies.

The International Federation for Human Rights (IFHR), the International Amnesty, the Human Rights Watch (HRW), the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), the Open Society European Policy Institute (OSEPI) and the Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have issued a press release that may be access through this website link.

Photograph: FIDH