9 EU states demand 'new, open-minded conversation' on European Convention on Human Rights
Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, Italy, and Czech Republic sign an open letter issued following meeting between Italian Premier Meloni and her Danish counterpart Frederiksen in Rome
A file photo dates October 21, 2015 shows refugees walking to the refugee camp near the border crossing Rigonce at Slovenia, Croatian border.
COPENHAGEN
Nine EU states called for "a new and open-minded conversation about the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights," particularly in terms of migration, Radio Prague International reported on Friday.
"We have to restore the right balance," was stated in an open letter released by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office on Thursday, signed by leaders from Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, Italy, and the Czech Republic.
The letter urging a review of its application was made public following a meeting in Rome between Meloni and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, both of whom have taken a hardline approach to migration.
The letter coincides with broader EU debates about sovereignty, migration, and the role of international courts.
All 27 EU member states have signed the European Convention on Human Rights, but the EU has yet to accede to the treaty, despite a legal obligation under the Lisbon Treaty. Accession would allow EU institutions to be held accountable before the European Court of Human Rights, a move that is still being negotiated.
The convention, which came into effect in 1953, encompasses the right to life, a ban on slavery, protection against torture and degrading treatment, freedom of expression, prohibition of discrimination, and the right to family life.
All 46 countries that have signed the convention, including all 27 EU member states, must follow its provisions, with binding rulings issued by the European Court of Human Rights.
