BRUSSELS - The First Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans has responded to two letters sent to him in April by Members of Parliament to voice their concern about an attack on fundamental rights and democracy in the EU by anti-choice groups and far-right extremists.
- On the 12th of April 2019, 51 Members of Parliament wrote a letter to First Vice President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans and Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, regarding their concern towards US Christian right and fundamentalists funding extremist purposes in Europe. On the 25th of May, Vice President Timmermans responded with a letter including the below quote:
The Commission is committed to ensure that fundamental rights, including non-discrimination and gender equality, are fully respected. You mention the ratification of the Istanbul Convention on violence against women in Europe, which is a matter of concern to Commissioner Jourovå and myself. I had the opportunity to raise this issue at the last high-level meeting with religious leaders held on 8 October 2018. I referred in particular to the position of certain religious groups on the Istanbul convention and recalled that equality between men and women is a fundamental right that must not be put at risk and that women and families should be protected from violence. I can assure you that we will continue our engagement with religious organisations on this matter.
- On the 26th of April, 7 Members of Parliament signed a letter sent to First Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans urging him to protect the fundamental rights, values and liberal democracy in the European Union. On the 23rd of July, Vice-President Timmermans responded with a letter highlighting measures taken by the European Commission both in the pre- and post-election stage to "bolster European democracy and protect free and fair elections".
EPF plans to pursue these issues during the Commissioner-designates’ hearings and with the new College of Commissioners this autumn.
