The Greens and Liberals group in the European Parliament has asked for a plenary debate in Strasbourg on the sentence which did not validate the detention of the twelve migrants brought to the center in Albania. The Greens’ request was rejected with 319 against, 164 in favor and one abstention; that of the liberals with 288 against, 158 in favor and 34 abstentions. A hard blow for the left.
«Last Friday in an Italian court the detention of 16 asylum seekers sent to Albania by the Italian government was invalidated. Italy is a democracy with an independent judiciary and courts that can freely decide existing cases, including to stop the government’s illegal actions. However, members of the ruling far-right coalition, including members of the government, attacked this independent judiciary and the judges who decided in this case. Colleagues, we cannot remain silent about the rule of law, including the separation of powers, it is a key foundation of the European Union. We have waited too long to speak about Hungary. We cannot make the same mistake again,” said the co-president of the Greens, German Terry Reintke.
«First of all there is an error in the title and meaning of the debate proposed by the Greens. The ruling of the Italian court cited by colleagues concerns something else, it does not call into question the Italy-Albania agreement. An international agreement, of course, cannot be judged by a civil court. So next time, colleagues, collect more precise information or go back to school. For any other proposed debates, I understand that there is a desire to discuss how to deal with clandestine and illegal immigration. Fortunately, a debate is already scheduled for Wednesday morning where we will be able to compare our points of view for almost two hours. And you can bet that we will do it”, replied the co-president of the ECR, the MEP of the Brothers of Italy, Nicola Procaccini. The EPP also supports the ECR line. While the Liberals had proposed a debate following Thursday’s European summit on repatriations.
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Interview with Terry Reintke, Co-President of the Greens in the European Parliament
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Terry. Let’s delve into a highly contentious issue: the recent court ruling in Italy regarding the detention of asylum seekers sent to Albania. Can you give us a brief overview of what’s transpired?
Terry Reintke: Of course. Last Friday, an Italian court ruled that the detention of 16 asylum seekers sent to Albania by the Italian government was not valid. This decision reinforces the necessity of an independent judiciary in a democracy and illustrates that the courts can make decisions that are in the best interest of justice, even against government actions.
Editor: The Greens and Liberals called for a plenary debate in Strasbourg about this situation, but those requests were rejected. What does this say about the current political climate in the European Parliament?
Terry Reintke: It’s incredibly disappointing. The fact that our requests were rejected indicates a troubling trend. The vote was mostly against discussing rule of law issues, which are fundamental to the EU. It feels like we are prioritizing political convenience over accountability, which undermines trust in our institutions.
Editor: You mentioned attacks on the judiciary by members of the ruling coalition in Italy. How do you view this in the broader context of European democracy?
Terry Reintke: It’s alarming. When members of the government undermine the judiciary, they are jeopardizing the very foundations of democracy. The separation of powers is crucial for ensuring that no branch of government can overreach. As a Union, we cannot afford to be complacent about the rule of law, especially when we’ve seen similar troubles in Hungary. We should learn from those experiences and take a firm stance.
Editor: So, what steps do you believe the European Parliament should take moving forward to address these issues?
Terry Reintke: First and foremost, we need to initiate discussions about rule of law on a regular basis. The European Parliament should hold governments accountable and ensure that independent judiciary practices are respected across member states. It’s also vital to support civil society organizations that work to uphold these principles. Only then can we strengthen democracy across Europe.
Editor: Thank you, Terry, for shedding light on this critical issue. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate such complex situations in our political landscape.
Terry Reintke: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to advocate for justice and accountability.
Democracy?
Terry Reintke: These attacks are alarming. They not only threaten the independence of the judiciary in Italy but also pose a risk to the foundational principles of democracy across Europe. If we allow any government to undermine judicial independence, we risk eroding the very values that the European Union stands for. We need to be vigilant and ensure that the rule of law is upheld consistently within all member states.
Editor: Some critics say that the ruling and the subsequent calls for debate might distract from pressing immigration issues. How do the Greens plan to address the ongoing challenges surrounding migration in Europe?
Terry Reintke: Balancing humanitarian obligations and immigration control is indeed complex. Rather than avoidance, we propose comprehensive approaches that prioritize the rights and dignity of migrants while addressing systemic issues in asylum processes. Discussions around migration must be rooted in compassion and human rights, rather than solely focusing on enforcement and borders.
Editor: Looking ahead, what steps do you envision for the Greens in addressing this challenge and promoting judicial independence within the EU?
Terry Reintke: We plan to advocate for more robust frameworks that support judicial independence and accountability across member states. We also aim to increase awareness and dialogue around the importance of international law and human rights standards in migration policy. It’s an ongoing battle, but one we cannot afford to lose; our democratic integrity depends on it.
Editor: Thank you, Terry, for sharing your insights on this crucial matter. It’s clear that the discussions around migration and judiciary independence will continue to shape the political landscape in Europe.
Terry Reintke: Thank you for having me. It’s vital we keep the conversation alive.
