Discussion “What do we expect from Europe in 2019?”
Are the rule of law and the rule of law values still relevant in today’s global world? How to better ensure gender equality? In today’s world of fake news and hybrid attacks, are fair and secure elections possible? Experts sought answers to these questions on November 23 at the discussion “What do we expect from Europe in 2019?” organized by the European Commission’s representative office in Lithuania together with the Faculty of Law of VU.
Věra Jourová, member of the European Commission responsible for justice, consumer rights and gender equality, Linas Linkevičius, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, Dean of the Faculty of Law of VU, Prof. Dr. Tomas Davulis and VU Institute of International Relations and Political Sciences Deputy Director Prof. Dr. Margarita Šešelgytė participated in the discussion and answered questions.
The importance of security
EC member Věra Jourová emphasized at the beginning of the discussion that it is necessary for Europe to set priorities, to become stronger in the fields of defense, trade, and foreign policy. “We live in a changing world where new threats are emerging, we have to adapt to them – fight against propaganda, cyber attacks, illegal information published by terrorists on the Internet, child pornography,” said the EC member.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Linas Linkevičius, seconded V. Jourová, saying that Europe is currently on the eve of a new political season and is going through certain sustainability tests, like Brexit. “I think that one of the most important priorities for us should be security. Transatlantic unity is very important to us, we should value membership in the EU and NATO equally, because the former protects and the latter defends. We must also carefully monitor hybrid threats and disinformation,” L. Linkevičius emphasized.
Principles of the rule of law and independence
VU TF dean prof. Dr. Tomas Davulis, speaking about the application of the principles of the rule of law throughout the EU, offered to remember that this was one of the most important conditions for joining this union, without the implementation of which at the national level it would not be worth talking about membership. However, after accession, these principles can be put into motion, as in Poland or Romania: “This principle is extremely important for the EU for three reasons. First of all, it should be understood that national courts are EU courts, so they must interpret and apply legal norms in the same way, the EU does not have such courts independently. Another thing is that crime crosses borders these days. We see many examples where cooperation between law enforcement authorities is central to the prosecution and prevention of criminal acts. This requires a uniform standard, because if it is not ensured, it is doubtful whether, for example, it is possible to extradite a citizen to another country if we do not trust its courts or the impartiality of judges. And the issue of using funds is also important.”
Commissioner Věra Jourová, speaking about the integrity and transparency of the legal system, emphasized the importance of an independent legal system: “The influence of politicians on the courts and the judiciary can be disastrous. It is necessary to explain to the public why we cannot politicize the legal system – after all, independent courts are part of a democratic state, there must be a division of powers.”
The Commissioner spoke about her EC initiative, which promotes cooperation between law enforcement authorities and other countries in the search for evidence. According to her proposal, the police or prosecutors could contact the IT company of any other member state and demand evidence, which they would have to provide within ten hours. Until now, representatives of law enforcement institutions must first contact the law enforcement authorities of another country, which significantly prolongs the examination of such cases.
The issue of women’s rights
There was also discussed the possibility of legislation that would ensure gender equality in management positions. According to pPof. Dr. Margarita Šešelgytė, VU TSPMI deputy director, the issue of women’s equality in Lithuania is extremely difficult, since the state perfectly implements EU and international legislation, they are implemented, but problems arise during their implementation: “Women have all the opportunities to get an education, work in the civil service and other fields, but everything is more complicated when it is about the presence of women in the highest positions, on the board. A woman leader is still viewed negatively, it is related to historical, customary things, stereotypes. And these stereotypes have an effect on women’s self-realization and courage.”
According to Prof. Dr. M. Šešelgytė, the inclusion of women in various structures usually has two possible approaches. One of them is unconditional, where certain quotas are set, but it is possible that they will be included, but will not have a real vote. Proponents of another view say that no matter how many women are in high positions, it is important that they are empowered to make decisions and be heard. According to the professor, the first approach may sound unattractive in our society, but once quotas are established, we would get used to them and they would become a habit.
According to EC member V. Jourova, even women included in the board or occupying certain high positions in the board according to the law will not necessarily have a voice in them. “It is important to understand that quotas will not change the thinking and perception of this problem overnight. It is necessary to change habits, promote education of doctors, officials and all people. Finally, political parties, entrepreneurs must understand that it is beneficial for them to have women in their team.”
The near future of the EU
When talking about the near future of the EU, the interlocutors wished the legal community and civil society to be active, not to give in to propaganda and misinformation, and to vote.
Speaking about the upcoming European Parliament elections, Prof. Dr. Margarita Šešelgytė said she hoped that democracy would survive, and the new people would maintain the most important values, the rule of law, and human rights.
Prof. Dr. Tomas Davulis said that he wants the trend of EU support to remain in Lithuania so that we feel part of the European continent and do not forget that more Europe does not mean less Lithuania.
Commissioner V. Jourová ended the discussion by mentioning the most important values of people: stability, security, well-being. According to her, if we stick together we will be stronger and overcome more dangers: “Currently we feel pressure from unstable regions, we hear disinformation and propaganda, but we must mobilize and focus in order to survive, to end the talks about leaving the EU, realizing that this union will be a source of stability for us, a guarantor of security and well-being.”
