Brussels, Oct 1 (IANS): The European Union (EU) has released the 2020 Rule of Law report which presents an overview of the judiciary, media freedoms, corruption and checks and balances in the bloc’s member states.
Released on Wednesday, the report covers “four pillars”: the justice system, the anti-corruption framework, media pluralism and other institutional issues related to checks and balances.
The country chapters rely on a qualitative assessment carried out by the European Commission and focus on a synthesis of significant developments since January 2019 introduced by a brief factual description of the legal and institutional framework relevant for each pillar.
The assessment presents both challenges and positive aspects, including good practices.
“The Commission has ensured a coherent and equivalent approach by applying the same methodology and examining the same topics in all member states, while remaining proportionate to the situation and developments,” the report said.
To prepare the report, the European Commission invited stakeholders to provide written contributions through a targeted consultation from March 24 to May 4.
Meanwhile, the review highlighted shortcomings in various member states, and particularly criticised Poland, calling judicial independence there a “serious concern”, the EU Oserver said in a report.
It also condemned Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Slovakia for insufficiently ensuring courts’ independence.
The commission also pointed to corruption scandals and deficiencies in anti-corruption efforts in Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Malta.
In a statement, EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova said the report would serve as a preventive mechanism, to detect rule of law issues early on.
European Commission adopts Digital Education Action Plan
The European Commission has adopted the new Digital Education Action Plan, reflecting lessons learned from the coronavirus crisis and devising a plan for a high-performing digital education eco-system, according to an official statement.
In the statement, the Commission said that the plan proposes a set of initiatives for high-quality, inclusive and accessible digital education in Europe.
It is a call to action to make education and training systems truly fit for the digital age.
“The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has put distance learning at the centre of education practices.
“This has shed light on the pressing need to improve digital education, as a key strategic objective for high-quality teaching and learning in the digital age,” the statement said.
The Action Plan has two long-term strategic priorities: First, fostering the development of a high-performing digital education ecosystem and second, enhancing digital competences for the digital transformation.
“Education and training have faced huge disruption due to Covid-19 and a quick shift to distance and online learning. The mass use of technology has revealed gaps and exposed weaknesses,” the statement quoted Executive Vice President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age, Margrethe Vestager as saying.
“This is also an opportunity to reset education and training for the digital age. Ninety-five of respondents to the public consultation on the Digital Education Action Plan see the crisis as a turning point for the way technology is used in education and training.
“This is a momentum to shape and modernise education for the digital age,” she added.
