Challenges to Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights

Democracy and the rule of law are among the fundamental values upon which European integration is based. Yet in recent years, both have come under pressure through the rise of illiberal trends and outright democratic backsliding among several EU member states as well as current candidate countries. These trends have important implications both for the internal functioning of the EU and for its external credibility and the effectiveness of its democracy promotion towards third countries. The Section welcomes Panels and Papers in three broad areas. First, proposals may address the causes explaining current challenges to democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in and beyond the EU, including the ramifications of the economic and refugee crises, the resulting rise of nationalist and Eurosceptic trends, and the changed international context. A second area of interest is the impact of backsliding trends upon EU cooperation, be it at the institutional level or in specific policy areas such as migration or enlargement policy. Finally, Papers may cover the evolving responses by EU institutions and its member states to rule of law violations and the impact of such initiatives in the countries concerned.