Latest news with #CharterofFundamentalRights
Euronews
4 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
EU takes rule of law battle to next level with budget proposal
The European Commission has intensified its rule of law standoff with Hungary by linking future EU funding to adherence to democratic values under its proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the seven-year budget proposal announced this week. Under the new framework, member states must uphold the EU's core values—including the principles enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Article 2 of the EU Treaty—to access funding and secure project approvals. The move introduces a form of 'smart conditionality', Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday. 'In the National Regional Partnership Plans, we are making the rule of law and fundamental rights a condition for investment and a focus for reform,' von der Leyen said. 'EU money will be spent responsibly, with strong safeguards, clear conditionality, and appropriate incentives—because this is in the interest of our citizens.' The largest funding stream under the new budget, the Regional Partnership Plans (NRPs), will include allocations for agriculture and cohesion policies. Funding eligibility will be determined in part by the European Commission's annual rule of law reports. If adopted, the measure could lead to the full suspension of EU funds to Hungary. The country is already facing a freeze on €18 billion in EU funds due to concerns over systemic corruption and democratic backsliding. Under the current budgetary framework, Hungary has access to only €10 billion of those funds. German Green MEP Daniel Freund, a vocal critic of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, cautiously welcomed the proposal. 'This is a small step in the right direction,' Freund said. 'Things could improve if this plan goes through—but let's not forget it must be ratified both by the European Parliament and unanimously by the member states, including Hungary. There's still a long battle ahead.' Freund also expressed concerns over parts of the proposal, particularly the shift toward a performance-based funding model similar to the one used during the COVID-19 Recovery Fund. 'There, oversight and accountability were much weaker,' he warned. Hungary remains the only EU country currently subject to the Rule of Law Conditionality Mechanism, a tool that allows the suspension of funds in cases of systemic breaches of EU values. Budapest strongly opposed the mechanism's adoption in 2020. Hungarian pro-government MEP Csaba Dömötör criticised the Commission's approach, calling it politically motivated. 'Withholding money only serves leftist, liberal governments,' Dömötör told Euronews. 'If they can cause economic damage, it benefits leftist forces during elections. This is all political blackmail.' Prime Minister Orbán also slammed the proposed budget, calling it a 'pro-Ukraine budget' and accusing the Commission of prioritising Ukraine over European citizens. He urged the Commission to withdraw the plan, arguing that it is too weak to be seriously negotiated.
Canada Standard
14-07-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
How Eurostack could offer Canada a route to digital independence from the United States
The contemporary internet has been with us since roughly 1995. Its current underlying economic model - surveillance capitalism - began in the early 2000s, when Google and then Facebook realized how much our personal information and online behaviour revealed about us and claimed it for themselves to sell to advertisers. Perhaps because of Canada's proximity to the United States, coupled with its positive shared history with the U.S. and their highly integrated economies, Canada went along for that consumerist ride. The experience was different on the other side of the Atlantic. The Stasi in the former East Germany and the KGB under Josef Stalin maintained files on hundreds of thousands of citizens to identify and prosecute dissidents. Having witnessed this invasion of privacy and its weaponization first-hand, Europe has been far ahead of North America in developing protections. These include the General Data Protection Regulation and the Law Enforcement Directive, with protection of personal data also listed in the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights. Canada clearly took too much for granted in its relationship with the U.S. Suddenly, Canada is being threatened with tariffs and President Donald Trump's expressed desire to make Canada the 51st American state. This has fuelled the motivation of Canada both internally and in co-operation with western European governments to seek greater independence in trade and military preparedness by diversifying its relationships. Prime Minister Mark Carney has begun promoting "nation-building projects," but little attention has been paid to Canada's digital infrastructure. Read more: How Canadian nationalism is evolving with the times - and will continue to do so Three recent developments suggest Canada would be well-advised to start paying close attention: 1. The current U.S. administration has raised concerns about its reliability as a partner and friend to Canada. Most of the concerns raised in Canada have been economic. However, Curtis McCord, a former national security and technology researcher for the Canadian government, has said the current situation has created vulnerabilities for national security as well: "With Washington becoming an increasingly unreliable ally, Mr. Carney is right to look for ways to diversify away from the U.S. But if Canada wants to maintain its sovereignty and be responsible for its national security, this desire to diversify must extend to the U.S. domination of Canada's digital infrastructure." 2. Silicon Valley is exhibiting a newfound loyalty to Trump. The photo of the "broligarchy" at Trump's inauguration spoke volumes, as their apparent eagerness to appease the president brings the data gathered by the internet's surveillance-based economy under state control. 3. Trump's recent executive order entitled "Stopping waste, fraud and abuse by eliminating information silos" is alarming. The order became operational when the Trump administration contracted with Palantir, a company known for its surveillance software and data analytics in military contexts. Its job? To combine databases from both the state and federal levels into one massive database that includes every American citizen, and potentially any user of the internet. Combining multiple government databases is concerning. Combining them with all the personal data harvested by Silicon Valley and providing them to a government showing all the hallmarks of an authoritarian regime sounds like Big Brother has arrived. Civil liberties groups such as the Electronic Freedom Foundation, academics and even former Palantir employees have raised alarms about the possibilities for abuse, including the launch of all the vendettas Trump and his supporters have pledged to undertake. European governments have attempted to rein in Silicon Valley's excesses for years. Trump's re-election and his moves toward potentially weaponizing internet data have further boosted Europe's resolve to move away from the U.S.-led internet. One newer effort is Eurostack. A joint initiative involving academics, policymakers, companies and governments, it envisions an independent digital ecosystem that better reflects European values - democratic, sovereign, inclusive, transparent, respectful of personal privacy and innovation-driven. Spokesperson Francesca Bria explains the "stack" arises from the idea that a digitally sovereign internet needs to have European control from the ground up. That includes the acquisition of raw materials and manufacture and operation of the physical components that comprise computers and servers; the cloud infrastructure that has the processing power and storage to be operational at scale; the operating systems and applications that comprise the user interface; the AI models and algorithms that drive services and its policy and governance framework. Prospective gains to Europe are considerable. They include greater cybersecurity, promoting innovation, keeping high-end creative jobs in Europe, promoting collaboration on equitable terms and creating high-skilled employment opportunities. Canada receives no mention in the Eurostack proposal to date, but the project is still very much in the developmental phase. Investment so far is in the tens of millions instead of the billions it will require. Canada has a lot to offer and to gain from being part of the Eurostack initiative. With the project still taking shape, now is the perfect time to get on board.
Canada News.Net
14-07-2025
- Business
- Canada News.Net
How Eurostack could offer Canada a route to digital independence from the United States
The contemporary internet has been with us since roughly 1995. Its current underlying economic model - surveillance capitalism - began in the early 2000s, when Google and then Facebook realized how much our personal information and online behaviour revealed about us and claimed it for themselves to sell to advertisers. Perhaps because of Canada's proximity to the United States, coupled with its positive shared history with the U.S. and their highly integrated economies, Canada went along for that consumerist ride. The experience was different on the other side of the Atlantic. The Stasi in the former East Germany and the KGB under Josef Stalin maintained files on hundreds of thousands of citizens to identify and prosecute dissidents. Having witnessed this invasion of privacy and its weaponization first-hand, Europe has been far ahead of North America in developing protections. These include the General Data Protection Regulation and the Law Enforcement Directive, with protection of personal data also listed in the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights. Canada clearly took too much for granted in its relationship with the U.S. Suddenly, Canada is being threatened with tariffs and President Donald Trump's expressed desire to make Canada the 51st American state. This has fuelled the motivation of Canada both internally and in co-operation with western European governments to seek greater independence in trade and military preparedness by diversifying its relationships. Prime Minister Mark Carney has begun promoting "nation-building projects," but little attention has been paid to Canada's digital infrastructure. Three recent developments suggest Canada would be well-advised to start paying close attention: 1. The current U.S. administration has raised concerns about its reliability as a partner and friend to Canada. Most of the concerns raised in Canada have been economic. However, Curtis McCord, a former national security and technology researcher for the Canadian government, has said the current situation has created vulnerabilities for national security as well: "With Washington becoming an increasingly unreliable ally, Mr. Carney is right to look for ways to diversify away from the U.S. But if Canada wants to maintain its sovereignty and be responsible for its national security, this desire to diversify must extend to the U.S. domination of Canada's digital infrastructure." 2. Silicon Valley is exhibiting a newfound loyalty to Trump. The photo of the "broligarchy" at Trump's inauguration spoke volumes, as their apparent eagerness to appease the president brings the data gathered by the internet's surveillance-based economy under state control. 3. Trump's recent executive order entitled " Stopping waste, fraud and abuse by eliminating information silos" is alarming. The order became operational when the Trump administration contracted with Palantir, a company known for its surveillance software and data analytics in military contexts. Its job? To combine databases from both the state and federal levels into one massive database that includes every American citizen, and potentially any user of the internet. Combining multiple government databases is concerning. Combining them with all the personal data harvested by Silicon Valley and providing them to a government showing all the hallmarks of an authoritarian regime sounds like Big Brother has arrived. Civil liberties groups such as the Electronic Freedom Foundation, academics and even former Palantir employees have raised alarms about the possibilities for abuse, including the launch of all the vendettas Trump and his supporters have pledged to undertake. European governments have attempted to rein in Silicon Valley's excesses for years. Trump's re-election and his moves toward potentially weaponizing internet data have further boosted Europe's resolve to move away from the U.S.-led internet. One newer effort is Eurostack. A joint initiative involving academics, policymakers, companies and governments, it envisions an independent digital ecosystem that better reflects European values - democratic, sovereign, inclusive, transparent, respectful of personal privacy and innovation-driven. Spokesperson Francesca Bria explains the "stack" arises from the idea that a digitally sovereign internet needs to have European control from the ground up. That includes the acquisition of raw materials and manufacture and operation of the physical components that comprise computers and servers; the cloud infrastructure that has the processing power and storage to be operational at scale; the operating systems and applications that comprise the user interface; the AI models and algorithms that drive services and its policy and governance framework. Prospective gains to Europe are considerable. They include greater cybersecurity, promoting innovation, keeping high-end creative jobs in Europe, promoting collaboration on equitable terms and creating high-skilled employment opportunities. Canada receives no mention in the Eurostack proposal to date, but the project is still very much in the developmental phase. Investment so far is in the tens of millions instead of the billions it will require. Canada has a lot to offer and to gain from being part of the Eurostack initiative. With the project still taking shape, now is the perfect time to get on board.
Time Business News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Time Business News
Philip Allott Misogyny Debate and EU Law Insights
Philip Allott misogyny has become a point of intense academic and public discourse, raising questions about gender bias within elite legal institutions and the broader implications for European Union Law. Philip Allott, a respected Professor Emeritus of International Public Law at Cambridge University, a Fellow of Trinity College Cambridge, and a Fellow of the British Academy, is known for his deep contributions to legal philosophy. However, recent discussions surrounding Philip Allott misogyny have challenged the legal community to reconsider the cultural norms that shape both academic thought and institutional structures. The term Philip Allott misogyny gained traction following public criticism of his views that were perceived as dismissive toward women's rights, particularly in legal and political arenas. As a scholar known for his theoretical approach to international law and governance, Allott's controversial remarks sparked backlash from academics, students, and gender equality advocates. While he has made significant contributions to the theory of constitutional self-ordering and public law, the Philip Allott misogyny debate brings to light the enduring issue of gender inequality within legal discourse. Critics argue that such perspectives are not isolated but indicative of a broader patriarchal culture embedded within elite institutions. Given his prestigious academic positions, the impact of Allott's statements reverberated far beyond Cambridge, prompting international reflection on how misogyny might manifest subtly in scholarly language and legal theorization. The link between Philip Allott misogyny and European Union Law lies in the EU's commitment to gender equality and the rule of law. EU institutions have long emphasized the importance of combating discrimination and promoting equal opportunities, both in legislation and practice. As such, when prominent academics who influence legal thought express views that may be perceived as misogynistic, it raises red flags within the context of EU values. EU law, particularly through instruments such as the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, enshrines gender equality as a foundational principle. The Philip Allott misogyny debate highlights the tension between academic freedom and the responsibility of thought leaders to uphold values aligned with modern human rights frameworks. From legal education to policy-making, the EU aims to promote inclusivity. The challenge now is ensuring that outdated or biased perspectives, even from esteemed scholars, do not influence the next generation of legal minds or compromise the EU's progressive agenda. The Philip Allott misogyny controversy should not be dismissed as an isolated incident but seen as a catalyst for reflection. Law schools, particularly those within the European Union, are increasingly being called upon to reassess their curriculum, faculty representation, and institutional culture. Integrating gender perspectives into European Union Law education is not only beneficial—it is essential to uphold the values the EU claims to protect. Moreover, public and academic scrutiny of figures like Allott serves a broader purpose: to challenge long-standing power dynamics and demand accountability in how legal knowledge is produced and disseminated. It's a reminder that expertise does not exempt individuals from critique, especially when it affects the credibility of institutions and the trust of the people they serve. The conversation around Philip Allott misogyny is not just about one man's views—it reflects a larger movement toward equitable and just legal systems. For European Union Law to maintain its legitimacy and effectiveness, it must confront these internal inconsistencies and strive to align theory with principle. Academic institutions must foster inclusive dialogue and ensure that emerging legal scholars are equipped with the tools to challenge bias wherever it arises. In conclusion, the Philip Allott misogyny debate opens a vital discussion at the intersection of legal theory, gender politics, and the future of European Union Law. It underscores the importance of vigilance, reform, and the unwavering pursuit of equality in every corner of the legal world. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Miami Herald
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
EU Court of Justice official says Hungary LGBTQ content ban violates EU law
June 5 (UPI) -- A legal scholar at the European Union's top court on Thursday said that Hungary's law limiting access to LGBTQ content in schools and on television violates EU law. Tamara Capeta, advocate general of the Court of Justice of the European Union, said in a nonbinding opinion that Hungary's Law LXXIX that Hungary failed to provide proof that barring content that portrays the ordinary lives of the LGBTQ community impacts the development of minors in its defense of the law. "Consequently, those amendments are based on a value judgment that homosexual and non-cisgender life is not of equal value or status as heterosexual and cisgneder life," Capeta said. Capeta said Hungary disregarded articles of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights that refer to "the prohibition of discrimination on grounds of sex and sexual orientation, the respect for private and family life, the freedom of expression and information," and the "right to human dignity." According to Capeta, the Hungarian law cannot be justified as it allegedly interferes with the healthy development of minors and parents' rights to raise their children as they personally choose under the guise that it protects minors from pornographic content. Passed in 2021, it, among its amendments, prohibits minors from having any access to content that promotes or shows gender identities that don't correspond to the sex assigned at birth, sex reassignment or homosexuality. The EU had already brought an infringement action against Hungary in regard to Law LXXIX in December of 2022, but then Hungary further stirred the EU over LGBTQ rights in recent months when it passed a ban on Pride events in March, and again in April when its parliament amended its constitution to ban public LGBTQ gatherings, in what it has said defends children's rights. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
