The concept of human rights stands at the heart of liberal thought, serving as the bedrock upon which free and just societies are constructed. Yet, Europe, often celebrated as a stronghold of human rights, now faces a profound crisis that endangers these fundamental values. From the weakening of democratic institutions to the alarming rise of xenophobia, the continent is experiencing a troubling backslide that threatens the very fabric of human rights protection and promotion. In the face of growing support for far-left and far-right ideologies, liberalism emerges as the sole force capable of steering Europe away from the turbulence of a ‘new dark age’. At the Young Liberals’ Summer School 2024 in Riga, participants sought to examine the pressing human rights challenges Europe confronts today and proposed liberal solutions for the European Union to adopt in order to reverse this downward trend and uphold the principles of human dignity, freedom, and justice.
Why Would Liberals Care About Human Rights?
For liberals, the defense of human rights in Europe and worldwide is not just a moral obligation but also a critical political imperative. The notion of negative rights and the protection of individual liberties, the rule of law, and the principles of equality before the law and justice are fundamental to liberal ideology. Ignoring the human rights crisis in Europe undermines these core values, allowing authoritarianism, discrimination of individuals, and state sponsored injustice to take root. Furthermore, The European Union’s influence as a global advocate for human rights is at stake; if the continent fails to uphold these standards within its own borders, it loses credibility on the world stage. Moreover, the EU’s double standards when holding accountable authoritarians outside of the Union threatens to lower trust in the human rights concept inside of the Union. Therefore, addressing the human rights crisis in Europe is not only about safeguarding the rights of individuals but also about preserving the very essence of European liberal democracy.
How Does the Human Rights Crisis in Europe is Slowly Unfolding?
The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have further exacerbated the human rights crisis in Europe. Faced with unprecedented challenges to public health and national security, European governments have been compelled to take extraordinary measures to protect their citizens. However, these steps, while necessary in some instances, have frequently led to excessive restrictions on individual freedoms and human rights. The implementation of strict lockdowns, enhanced surveillance, and emergency powers during the pandemic, as well as the increased securitization of the civil sector and tightened border controls in response to the conflict in Ukraine, have raised serious concerns about the erosion of civil liberties. These actions, though often justified as necessary for the greater good and long-term preservation of liberal democratic order, risk setting dangerous precedents where security concerns are used to justify disproportionate human rights abuses. This trend not only threatens the fundamental rights of European citizens but also undermines the principles of liberalism, which would favor having both a secure living environment and individual freedom.
In recent years, Europe has witnessed a troubling trend of restrictions on freedom of speech, particularly in countries where democratic norms are under strain. In Hungary, the government has imposed severe restrictions on media outlets, curbing independent journalism and silencing dissenting voices. Moreover, in Hungary state funds have been used to subsidize political propaganda, further eroding the line between state and party, a tactic also employed in Poland until recently. Additionally, in 13 EU Member States, defamation of courts is a punishable offense, creating a chilling effect on legitimate criticism of the judiciary. Moreover, speech that is perceived as extremist by the political establishment is increasingly suppressed, with individuals facing harsh penalties, including prison sentences, for expressing views that challenge the status quo. These measures represent a significant departure from Europe’s commitment to freedom of expression, undermining the open debate and critical discourse that are essential to a healthy liberal democracy.
Recent developments in Europe have raised significant concerns about the restriction of property rights, an essential component of individual liberty. Rent control laws, implemented in several European countries, have not only undermined property rights by imposing strict limitations on landlords but have also exacerbated the housing crisis by disincentivizing investment in new housing. In addition, certain EU Member States have frozen the assets of Russian and Belarusian citizens, including those who openly oppose their home countries’ political regimes and the war in Ukraine, despite their lack of direct or indirect ties to those regimes. Yet some other individuals who hold citizenship in multiple European countries, including Latvia, and are responsible for instigating a full-scale war, may avoid the same hardships that others face solely due to their nationality. Latvia has gone further by seizing private cars registered in Russia or Belarus from individuals entering the country, regardless of the owner’s political stance. Moreover, the process of denationalization and privatization of assets seized by communist dictatorships remains incomplete in parts of Eastern Europe, leaving property rights in a state of uncertainty. Latvia has also imposed harsh penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol, including the confiscation of private cars, which raises questions about proportionality and due process. These actions collectively reflect a troubling trend where property rights are increasingly compromised under the guise of public interest or security, challenging the fundamental principles of ownership and individual autonomy in Europe.
Recent actions in Europe have raised significant concerns about the erosion of digital human rights, particularly as governments and the European Union seek to balance security and regulation with personal freedoms. EU and its Member States began censoring social media, often under the guise of combating misinformation, but at the cost of limiting free expression online. The implementation of the Digital Services Act might exacerbate the issue even more. Privacy of correspondence is also under threat, with secret services in some countries accessing chat logs without court permission, and the EU considering new legislation that could mandate chat controls, further compromising individuals’ right to private communication. In recent emergency situations, we have witnessed the suspension of media outlets and social networks, as seen during the New Caledonia protests when online media access was restricted, setting a troubling precedent for such actions. Additionally, the filtering of website traffic is becoming increasingly prevalent. The deployment of facial recognition technologies for unauthorized purposes under the AI Act infringes on individual privacy, raising concerns about the growing surveillance and control of digital spaces in Europe. These developments underscore a growing tension between state power and individual rights in the digital realm, threatening the foundational principles of privacy, free speech, and autonomy that are central to a liberal society. We cannot tolerate the fact that in the fight against authoritarianism and totalitarian ideologies, Europe often adopts the very methods it seeks to combat, thereby abandoning its core liberal values — a trend we consider extremely dangerous.
Recent developments in Europe have highlighted a concerning trend of restrictions on freedom of movement, a fundamental right enshrined in the European Union’s core values. The potential for restricting movement during times of war, particularly in strategic areas like the Suwałki gap, raises significant concerns about the ability of individuals to move freely within Europe. Additionally, the exclusion of Romania and Bulgaria from the Schengen Zone, despite their readiness to join, undermines the belief in the EU’s commitment to equal treatment and shared values among its members. Crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the migration crisis, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have further strained freedom of movement within the EU, with governments imposing border controls and travel restrictions that limit citizens’ ability to move freely across the continent. These actions collectively challenge the principle of free movement within Europe, threatening the unity and cohesion of the EU and raising questions about the resilience of this fundamental right in the face of security and political challenges.
Recent developments in Europe have raised serious concerns about the treatment of migrants and refugees, particularly regarding their rights and safety. Discrimination by state institutions has become increasingly evident, with border guards and police in some countries engaging in hate crimes and violent actions against migrants. These incidents highlight a troubling pattern of hostility and prejudice that undermines the fundamental rights of those seeking safety and a better life in Europe. Additionally, state bureaucracies are struggling to manage the influx of migrants and asylum seekers, leading to delays, inadequate processing, and a lack of proper support. This strain on resources not only exacerbates the challenges faced by migrants but also fosters an environment where their rights are frequently overlooked or violated. These negative developments contribute to a broader crisis in Europe’s approach to migration, calling into question its commitment to upholding human dignity and international obligations regarding the protection of refugees.
What Should the EU do to Address these Issues in the Liberal Manner?
Addressing the human rights crisis within the European Union requires decisive and coordinated action. One potential solution is to impose financial penalties on Member States that breach human rights, cutting their EU funding as a strong deterrent against such violations. Additionally, governments that systematically violate the EU’s human rights laws should face more severe consequences, such as the suspension of their voting rights in the Council until tangible improvements are made. This would ensure that countries failing to uphold shared values do not influence decisions affecting the entire Union. Furthermore, the Erasmus+ program, which fosters cross-cultural exchange and education, should be utilized more proactively to promote human rights awareness among European youth. By sharing knowledge and experiences, young people can play a crucial role in the healthy development of liberal democracies, helping to safeguard the future of human rights in Europe.
The European Union must play a proactive role in addressing human rights abuses beyond its borders, even when such actions may conflict with its economic interests. The EU should impose sanctions on individuals and entities involved in human rights violations, ensuring that economic ties, particularly in oil and gas, do not take precedence over ethical considerations. Financial support for independent media in countries plagued by human rights abuses is crucial, as a free press is often the last line of defense against authoritarianism. Additionally, the EU must be more discerning in providing development aid, withholding funds from governments that violate human rights and instead directing resources to initiatives that foster democratic values. Expanding the Erasmus+ program to include more youth from outside the EU would allow young people from third countries to experience European liberal democracies firsthand, fostering a new generation committed to human rights. Moreover, the EU should focus on promoting manufacturing and resource production within its own borders to reduce dependence on regimes that commit human rights abuses. Finally, the EU should champion international human rights treaties that include robust control and sanction mechanisms, establishing a global framework to prevent and address human rights violations effectively.
Liberal politicians have a critical role to play in addressing the human rights crisis, both within their own countries and on the global stage. They must exhibit courage by speaking out against human rights abuses, even when doing so may be politically challenging or unpopular. Silence in the face of injustice only perpetuates the problem, and liberal leaders must not shy away from their responsibility to defend fundamental rights. Furthermore, liberal politicians must lead by example, consistently upholding the values they advocate. It is imperative that they avoid engaging in discriminatory, xenophobic, or derogatory language, as such behavior undermines their credibility and the liberal philosophy they espouse. By embodying the principles of equality and respect, liberal politicians can set a standard for others to follow. Additionally, they should actively promote ideas of liberalization and further federalization within the European Union. A more liberal, smaller, and efficient EU, with strengthened resilience against the global rise of authoritarianism, is essential for safeguarding human rights both within Europe and beyond. By championing these ideas, liberal politicians can help shape a more just and equitable to human rights world.
