Invitation Only Research Event
6 February 2019 - 9:30am to 12:45pm
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Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE
Dr Andi Hoxhaj, Teaching Fellow in Law, University of Warwick
Mia Marzouk, Senior Research Analyst, Western Balkans, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tena Prelec, Research Associate, European Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science; Doctoral Researcher, University of Sussex
Professor Ronan McCrea, Professor of Constitutional and European Law, University College London
Dr Gabor Scheiring, ISRF Political Economy Research Fellow, University of Cambridge
Annabelle Chapman, Freelance journalist covering Poland for Monocle and the Economist
Joanna Hosa, Wider Europe Programme Manager, European Council on Foreign Relations
Across Central and South Eastern Europe, there are different challenges to the rule of law. In the Western Balkans, the establishment of an independent judiciary has been one of the key reform priorities in the EU accession process. The integrity of public institutions and a well-functioning judicial system are considered key to democratic governance and sustainable economic development. However, in many of the countries of the region, public institutions and the judiciary are perceived to be weak and ineffective, hampering the fight against corruption and organized crime.
In some newer EU member states, previously held up as an example to others, there are concerns that progress appears to have gone into reverse. In recent years, both Poland and Hungary have implemented policies which the EU institutions views as directly challenging the rule of law. The ruling centre right parties in both countries have been criticised for attempting to increase control over the media and the judiciary, at times adopting anti-EU rhetoric and clashing with EU institutions, despite strong support for the EU amongst the public.
This event will comprise two sessions, one focusing on the Western Balkans and the second, on Central Europe. The speakers will assess the state of the rule of law reforms in both regions, with a particular focus on their long-term sustainability.
Attendance at this event is by invitation only.
This event is funded by the British Academy, as granted to Dr Andi Hoxhaj, British Academy Rising Star Engagement Award 2018.