16 Jun 2021 | 9:30 am - 12:00 am (CEST)
Zoom webinar
A Europe of Values: The story of the CVM in Romania and Bulgaria
16 June 2021 | 09:30 – 12:00 (CEST) | Zoom ABOUT THE PROJECT Rule of Law and performance mechanisms for the EU […]
16 June 2021 | 09:30 – 12:00 (CEST) | Zoom ABOUT THE PROJECT Rule of Law and performance mechanisms for the EU […]
16 June 2021 | 09:30 – 12:00 (CEST) | Zoom
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Rule of Law and performance mechanisms for the EU have been discussed in the past and have now once again surfaced during the MFF discussions. How can they be applied effectively within the EU itself? It is not only Hungary and Poland that should be scrutinised. There is a clear need for a new mechanism that will constantly assess the suitability of any member state to the EU as a whole. But how can the EU ensure impartial and effective scrutiny?
For many years, the EU has faced numerous accusations that it turns a blind eye towards the actions of certain governments of members states, in particular towards actions related to the (mis)use of EU funds. In the last couple of years, it has moved from a problem of corruption to a problem of values because certain member states seem to move away from the European values and obligations of respecting the Rule of Law.
Through a series of 3 events focused on these issues and on finding solutions, ELF aims to create a publication that will serve the policy and decision-makers in their fight to save the EU project. The goal is to bring together experts and relevant stakeholders and discuss the issues in an open manner, which could lead to the creation of certain problem-solving proposals and a toolkit/roadmap.
ABOUT THE EVENT: The story of the CVM in Romania and Bulgaria
As the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) for Romania and Bulgaria, which was put in place by the European Commission from 1 January 2007, is still being used to assess and support the progress of these 2 EU member states, ELF believes that it is a good opportunity to look back at what the CVM achieved and to learn from these past experiences. After almost 14 years, it seems that the CVM did not fully achieve its objectives and, in hindsight, maybe some steps could have been done differently.
In order to be better prepared for the on-going situation with several problematic EU member states, and for future member states, we need to learn from past mistakes and push forward with a conditionality mechanism that is attached to our share European values, in particular, the respect for the Rule of Law. What have the cases of Romania and Bulgaria taught us in terms of the viability and success of this type of mechanism? How could this have been done better? And are the most important lessons that we need to keep in mind when thinking of the present and future member states.
Opening by Daniel Kaddik, Executive Director, European Liberal Forum
Speakers include:
Part I – Closed-door expert roundtable (by invitation only)
Moderated by Alexandra Mercescu, PhD, Lecturer, Faculty of Law, West University of Timisoara & Affiliated Researcher, CLEST, Nomos
Part 2 – Public panel discussion
Moderated by Nikolay Staykov, Investigative journalist and co-founder of the Anti-Corruption Fund (ACF)