Case Hungary, Italy and 13 other EU countries concerned about the risk of violations of the rule of law

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Italy and 13 other European Union countries have signed a joint declaration, in which they say they are "deeply concerned by the risk of violating the principles of the rule of law" for some emergency measures approved in response to the coronavirus crisis. The reference is to the state of emergency proclaimed in recent days in Hungary, even if the country is not explicitly mentioned.

"In this unprecedented situation, it is legitimate for Member States to take extraordinary measures to protect their citizens and overcome the crisis. However, we are deeply concerned about the risk of violation of the principles of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights deriving from the approval of some emergency measures - reads - Emergency measures should be limited to what is strictly necessary, be proportionate and provisional by their nature, be subject to regular review and respect the above principles, as well as legal obligations international".

Von der Leyen: worried about Hungary measures, in case we act
"I understand that Member States must take emergency measures, but I am worried that some of these measures go too far. In case, we will act," said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference in Brussels.