Rights & Values and Justice Programmes essential to support rule of law

Today, the European Parliament will debate and adopt two key programmes as part of the Justice, Rights and Values Fund, aimed at supporting the rule of law and a strong and independent justice system.

The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme 2021-2027, with Greens/EFA rapporteur Alice Bah Kuhnke, focuses on promoting, strengthening and defending EU values, supporting the fight against all forms of violence, and creating opportunities for engagement and democratic participation. 

The Justice Programme, with Greens/EFA co-rapporteur Heidi Hautala, will contribute to the further development of a European area of justice based on the rule of law, mutual recognition and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross-border proceedings and member states.

Alice Bah Kuhnke MEP, Greens/EFA rapporteur for the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme 2021-2027, comments:

“Our fundamental rights and freedoms are under attack. Civil society organisations are crucial in the fight against the backlash over our European values. As polarisation grows, the space for civil society is shrinking. The Right and Values program is a huge victory for the Greens/EFA group and the European Parliament.

"With a total budget of €1.55 billion, we’ve secured a near doubling of EU-funding for civil society organisations and stakeholders to strengthen and support our common EU values and defend the equal rights of citizens across the Union.”

Heidi Hautala MEP, Greens/EFA rapporteur for the Justice Programme for the period 2021- 2027, comments:

"The rule of law and fundamental rights cannot be defended without a well-functioning and independent justice system. Judges, prosecutors and other professionals in the judiciary have a key role in providing access to justice and upholding the rights and values of the European Union. Special attention is given to equal rights and non-discrimination: The Programme promotes gender equality, the rights of the child and the protection of victims in all its actions.

"It is important that all relevant stakeholders, including civil society actors, are involved in the development of the legal system and can access funding, €305 million in total, under this programme."