Centre for the Rule of Law and European Values

The rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights, jointly some of the fundamental values upon which the Union is built, are currently under threat, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe but also across the EU and in neighbouring countries. From threats to the independence of the judiciary, to muzzle laws seeking to silence and discipline members of the judiciary critical of governments, and from the erosion of the separation of powers to limiting free speech, core elements of liberal democracies are jeopardised. The current pandemic has brought to the forefront concerns about the state of the rule of law, its compatibility with emergency measures, and the deterioration of European values and principles, such as equality, democracy, individual rights, and active citizenship. CRoLEV is a new Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme 2021-27, Jean Monnet Actions for the years 2022-2025.

CRoLEV intends to:

Explore the state of the rule of law within the EU and in neighbouring countries, using empirical research.

Investigate the deterioration of the rule of law and EU values in times of crisis

Evaluate the mechanisms available at the EU level to secure European values and rule of law protections

CRoLEV will host a series of activities, such as public lectures and intensive courses by world-leading experts on the rule of law, and will produce a series of valuable research outputs. By disseminating such outputs in Cyprus, neighbouring countries, and other partner institutions, the Centre will strengthen European studies in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The project’s recommendations will also be of value to state and EU authorities, as well as international actors within and beyond the EU.

CRoLEV intends to raise awareness about the fragility of the rule of law and values in times of crisis, thus inspiring action to safeguard the rule of law and European values both at the domestic and at the EU level.