Changes from A8 to A8

● Defining rule of law as a principle of governance where all entities are held accountable to laws that ensure the separation of powers, prevent systematic violations through universal legal consequences, and uphold the core values of democracy, human dignity, and fundamental rights;

● Defining rule of law as a principle encompassing legality, legal certainty, prevention of abuse of powers, equality, non-discrimination, and access to justice;1a highlighting the mutual indispensability of rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights; [Annex I]

that fails to prevent a decline in those same standards once a country is admitted as a member state1;state; [Annex II]

● Stressing that when judicial questions are not addressed by an independent court, they become vulnerable to political pressure and the dynamics of consensus;

● Stressing that when judicial questions are not addressed by an independent court, they become vulnerable to political pressure and the dynamics of consensus; ● Considering that the EU’s legal framework still remains ill-equipped to deal with the violation of the rule of law in Member States; in

● Reaffirming how a Federal Europe should exist only on the basis of the rule of law and solid democratic structures.

1) The Copenhagen Criteria are the requirements for joining the EU. The Rule of Law Framework is the mechanism intended to maintain these standards after membership, but it lacks the effective enforcement power seen in the pre-accession phase

European Parliament, and the Commission to bring actions concerning a Member State's violations directly before the Court of Justice, thereby shifting the decisive role from a strictly political process to an impartial judicial body;

Court of Justice, thereby shifting the decisive role from a strictly political process to an impartial judicial body;

requirement for a qualified majority in the Council and a majority of members in the European Parliament2;Parliament; [Annex III]

6. Demands that all Member States formally acknowledge the primacy of EU law, while ensuring that ECJ judgments are directly applicable and binding.[Space]

Annex I

Based on the Rule of Law Checklist of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe;

Annex II

The Copenhagen Criteria are the requirements for joining the EU. The Rule of Law Framework is the mechanism intended to maintain these standards after membership, but it lacks the effective enforcement power seen in the pre-accession phase

Annex III

2) Points 1 and 2 are inspired by the EP resolution of 22 November 2023. Amendment 11 proposes that the Council, acting by qualified majority, the