'Shocking' levels of democratic backsliding across Europe - ex-Justice Commissioner Jourová

Jourová - a lawyer by trade - was EU Commissioner for Values and Transparency from 2019 until November 2024. 

During that time, rule of law issues in some member states have deteriorated, she said, speaking just before the end of her mandate. 

The EU has initiated infringement proceedings against several countries targeting freedom of the press, as well as LGBT communities which the Commission point out are in breach of EU values, as well as Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union. 

Article 2 relates to the rights and obligations of members as having due regard for “respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities”. 

"What is shocking to me is how infectious these laws are," the former Commissioner tells Euronews’ Europe Conversation. 

In 2021, the Hungarian government implemented a so-called ‘child protection law’ it says is designed to protect children from paedophilia and other threats. 

The EU sued Hungary over the law in 2022, referring it to the European Court of Justice. And in November this year fifteen EU countries joined the European Commission's lawsuit against Hungary over the law. 

Jourová said its vital to engage with other countries intending to do likewise which is seen as a threat to human rights across the EU. 

Meanwhile however, Bulgaria and potentially Slovakia are following suit in banning or limiting LGBT ‘propaganda’ in schools. 

There are also concerns about the erosion of LGBT rights in Italy and Romania. As well as media freedom in Italy. 

Jourová said she engaged with the Member States threatening to introduce what she described as illiberal laws, such as the Sovereignty Office in Hungary