Minister of Justice Antti Häkkänen: Ensuring the rule of law to become one of the most important tasks of the European Union
According to the Minister of Justice Antti Häkkänen the European Union must amidst all crisis explain to citizens all the more clearly what benefits the European integration generates. Defending the rule of law is the clearest indication of the shared common values.
According to the Minister of Justice Antti Häkkänen the European Union must amidst all crisis explain to citizens all the more clearly what benefits the European integration generates. Defending the rule of law is the clearest indication of the shared common values. Häkkänen spoke about the development of the rule of law to the Judges of the Court of Justice of the European Union on Monday 22 May at the House of Estates, Helsinki.
- European integration has always been based on the respect for human rights and the rule of law. We cannot compromise on these moral values. The European Union must require of its Member States stronger commitment to ensuring the foundations of the rule of law. By defending the common shared values, we show to the citizens even more clearly why the EU exists at all, stated Minister Häkkänen in an event organized in connection with the official visit of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Häkkänen emphasized the central role of the Court of Justice amid the crisis in the EU. According to Häkkänen, the Court of Justice has an essential role in protecting and defending the basic European values. Increasing openness in all administrative activities will strengthen the trust of citizens in the European Union and its institutions, Häkkänen said.
- The evolving political landscape in Europe is an indication of a growing mistrust of people towards authorities and established institutions. As a counterforce, an open, efficient and independent administration is an indispensable element in ensuring integrity, building trust and helping to gain people’s confidence in the Union and its institutions, Häkkänen said.
Häkkänen also pointed out that Finland has during her whole EU-membership worked towards promoting transparency in the EU. The case law of the Court of Justice has been central in achieving this goal.
Inquiries: minister’s adviser Mr. Lauri Koskentausta, tel. +358 2951 50131