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The concept of “national security” is often used in modern democratic societies to justify intrusive surveillance measures or other interference in an individual’s fundamental rights. A universally accepted definition of national security is lacking, however, which makes it difficult for courts to review state actions …

On 3 April 2019, the Commission registered a European citizens’ initiative called “Respect for the rule of law within the European Union.”The European citizens’ initiative is a democratic participation tool by which citizens may influence EU policy. It was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty. …

On 3 April 2019, the Commission published a Communication entitled “Further strengthening the Rule of Law within the Union.” The Communication aims at triggering a reflection process on how the EU toolbox for defending and maintaining the fundamental value of the rule of law in …

Polish legislation lowering the retirement age of Supreme Court judgesviolates EU law, according to the opinion of Advocate General EvgeniTanchev. The opinion was released on 11 April 2019 and concerns one of three infringement procedures that have, in the meantime, been launched by the …

The Commission has targeted another aspect of judicial reform in Poland. On 3 April 2019, the Commission launched a new infringement procedure against Poland. It addresses the recently introduced disciplinary regime for judges.The Commission believes that the disciplinary regime is contrary to the obligations …

“More countries declined than improved in overall rule of law performance for the second year in a row, continuing a negative slide toward weaker rule of law around the world.” This is one of the main findings of the annual worldwide rule of law index …

After Poland and Hungary, Romania is likely to become the third EU country that may face the consequences of the EU’s Article 7 procedure (for this procedure, see eucrim 2/2018, p. 80 and the article by Cassese, eucrim 1/2018, p. 72). After the Romanian …

At the end of April 2019, FRA published a set of four reports on justice for victims of violent crimes. The set of reports deals with access to justicefrom four different perspectives:Victims’ rights as a standard of criminal justice;Justice in criminal proceedings; …

On 21 May 2019, Frontex launched its first full-fledged joint operation outside the European Union. This first operation in Albania aimed at supporting Albanian border guards with border control and at combating cross-border crime. For the operation, 50 officers from 12 EU Member States, …

At the end of May 2019, for the first time in its history, Frontex started to operate its own patrol cars in various field deployments at Europe’s borders.The patrol cars are a first step towards Frontex operating its own equipment rather than relying …