The Fundamental Rights Agency must stay away from the political battlefield

The European Parliament debated the modification of the Fundamental Rights Agency’s founding regulation. Fidesz MEP Balázs Hidvéghi stressed in his speech that caution is needed as in recent years there have been numerous examples when debates on supposedly ‘fundamental rights’ have been turned into shallow political battles. 

MEP Balázs Hidvéghi emphasized that the creation of the Fundamental Rights Agency was an important milestone in promoting debate on fundamental rights, but caution is needed in further strengthening the Agency. 

“The European Parliament’s attempt to give an increasingly political role for the Agency is a cause for concern. This would be a serious mistake. The Agency can only be successful if it stays away from the political battlefield,” said the MEP.

The MEP also said that the Agency should respect the competences of the Member States, treat them equally, avoid double standards and always base its findings on reliable sources. “Discussions on fundamental rights should bring Member states together, not divide them,” said the MEP.