Commissioner Michael McGrath, on behalf of the European Commission, has condemned all forms of political violence, stating that such acts undermine the fundamental values of democracy, pluralism and the rule of law enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. In a written answer to a parliamentary question, McGrath emphasised that member states are solely competent for maintaining law and order and safeguarding internal security, including protecting citizens from politically motivated violence and attacks. The answer was in response to a question from 66 MEPs, led by Fabrice Leggeri (PfE), who asked whether violence attributed to anti-fascist groups falls under the scope of the European Democracy Shield and what action the Commission would take to protect political activities and lawful public debate.
The Commission's answer does not contain concrete proposals, numerical targets or deadlines, but instead offers declarative support for democratic processes. McGrath noted that a priority of the European Democracy Shield is to strengthen the fairness and integrity of electoral and other democratic processes, and in this context, to better ensure the safety of political candidates and elected representatives. He mentioned that a dedicated Commission recommendation and a guide of best practices are under preparation in the framework of the European Cooperation Network on Elections.
Policy orientation and expected follow-up The answer signals a policy orientation that prioritises member state competence in internal security while the Commission focuses on supporting electoral integrity and candidate safety through non-binding instruments. The Commission's approach is to provide guidance and best practices rather than direct intervention. The recommendation and guide of best practices, once published, will be the main institutional follow-up, though no timeline was given. The answer does not specifically address monitoring of political violence from any particular ideological origin, instead reiterating general condemnation of all such violence.
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