European Commission criticises Poland and Hungary for insufficient democracy

On Wednesday, the 5th of July, the European Commission (EC) criticised Poland and Hungary for having insufficient democracy, adding that the situation in both countries was worsened by activities either performed or not prevented by these two countries’ governments.
Although minor improvements were noted in Poland and Hungary in EC’s annual report on the rule of law in the European Union, it also details many problems that still remain.

The report also outlines the discord between Brussels-based EU institutions and both Eastern European countries that have become a big problem for the union.

In the 35-page report Poland is mentioned multiple times, especially in regards to legislative affairs, which, according to the EC, still have not been resolved despite the lasting disputes between Brussels and Warsaw. There is also the decision by the EU to deny Poland access to multiple EU funds.
The report mentions there are still serious concerns in regards to disciplinary board of judges, questioning its independence. It is also mentioned there are still serious concerns about the appointment of several supreme court judges. The report also criticises Poland’s initiated investigation of judges because of their rulings.
According to the report.

looking forward, Poland’s recently passed law causes serious concerns about it potentially being used to influence people’s ability to run as candidates for state positions.

EC also looked at last year’s recommendations and found that in multiple cases, starting with the independence of courts and ending with media freedom and anti-corruption measures, no progress was made.
Hungary is criticised less in the report. In the report it is concluded that

Hungary has implemented multiple legislative reforms and has applied certain legislative control and balance activities. However, corruption remains a problem despite all this.

The report mentions that there are still serious concerns about the fact that the country still has not performed serious investigations of accusations of corruption among top government officials and their associated.
The commission also criticises Budapest for passiveness in ensuring journalists’ independence, adding that there has been no development to resolve different problems that still threaten media pluralism.
Also read: Grybauskaite: Europe says that the Baltics were right, but ignore us again