DEAR
 
 

Do you know how democracy and the rule of law relate to each other?

I was asking myself this question when listening to politicians and media commentators at the beginning of this year. They maintained that in view of developments in European states, such as Poland, Hungary or Switzerland, the rule of law was threatened and that they were undermining democracy.

To find the answer I approached my colleague Dr. Klaus Hofmann. We thoroughly discussed the interdependence of democracy and the rule of law. The outcome of our deliberations is the background paper “The Rule of Law - When is it Threatened?” which you find online here; also it is attached to this e-mail.

I hope you find some time to read our document. In the end, democracy and rule of law are not abstract terms but they concern the rights of every individual citizen. When we know what these terms mean, then we can stand up to safeguard our democracies and also, we can critically assess the arguments that politicians and media commentators make.

All the best,
Cora Pfafferott
 
NEWS
 
 
 
   
“Enforcment Initiative” fails in Switzerland
On 28 February 2016, 58,9 per cent of Swiss voters opted against a citizens’ initiative that called for the automatic expulsion of non-Swiss offenders convicted of certain crimes. The turnout of 63 per cent was overwhelmingly high. In practice, the "Enforcement Initiative" would have weakened the protection of minorities (those foreigners living in Switzerland) and also, it would have undermined the power of judges and of parliament.
 
 
 
 
   
The EU needs a complete democratic re-start now
On the compromise struck on 19 February between David Cameron and EU leaders on UK's relationship with the EU.
 
 
 
 
   
Varoufakis’ truths and fallacies about the EU
On 9 February 2016, Yanis Varoufakis, Greek Minister of Finance during the climax of the Euro crisis, launched in Berlin the Democracy in Europe Movement 2025, in short, DiEM25.
 
 
 
 
   
"The situation in Poland is much more complex"
Interview with Anna Rytel-Warzocha on the recent political developments in Poland, the question whether democracy is threatened and on the strength of Polish civil society.
 
 
 
 
   
What does Britain owe Europe?
We cordially invite to a discussion on Britain's relationship with the EU and the upcoming referendum. The event will take place in London on 10 March 2016, at 7.30 pm.