European Commission could trigger Rule of Law Framework against Romania

European Commission could trigger the Rule of Law Framework against Romania if the amendments to the Criminal Code are promulgated, EC Chief Spokesperson, Margaritis Schinas, said on Monday in a briefing in Brussels. Schinas has confirmed that European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans has sent a letter on the subject, on 10 May, to the highest officials of the Romanian state: the President, Prime Minister and heads of the two parliamentary chambers.

Margaritis Schinas:The main concerns relate to developments interfering with judicial independence, fight against corruption, including the protection of the EU's financial interests, and the recently adopted amendments to the Criminal Code, which risk creating a de facto situation of impunity for corruption. These changes may affect the rule of law. If the necessary improvements are not achieved shortly, or if additional negative measures are taken, such as adoption of the latest amendments to the Criminal Code, the European Commission will promptly launch the Rule of Law Framework and will suspend the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism.

European Commission's Chief Spokesperson also said that the EU Executive reserves its powers as "Guardian of the Treaties" and will not hesitate to launch infringement procedures quickly, where necessary.

Source:RRA.Translated by Miruna Matei