About the project

The work of the Meijers Committee

The Meijers Committee is an independent standing committee of legal experts, who on a voluntary basis provide technical-legal commentary on EU policy documents and legislative proposals. For over 25 years, the Meijers Committee has made an important contribution to the protection of the rule of law and fundamental human rights within the European Union through the publication of policy papers and comments.

The most important guidelines for the Meijers Committee in this respect are the central values of the democratic constitutional state: public access to decision-making, parliamentary control and control over legislation, control by an independent judge of the correct application of legislation and the protection of fundamental human rights. The opinions of the Meijers Committee are addressed in particular to Members of the European Commission, European Parliament, the Dutch Parliament, and indirectly to the European Council. The Committee’s working method is unique in Europe.

You can find out more about the history, members and activities on the website of the Meijers Committee.

Our project: Safeguarding the Rule of Law in the European Union

The Meijers Committee seeks to closely oversee the European Union’s activities related to the rule of law by offering critical legal analysis and actively collaborating with parliamentarians (both European and national), the European Commission, and the Council of the European Union. For instance, the Meijers Committee has commented on the various means the EU has at its disposal to take legal action against rule of law backsliding, highlighting their limited use. Where they are used, they appear to be ineffective. The gradual dismantling of fundamental achievements that can be seen in some Member States are also present in accession states. Responding to the urgent need to strengthen the rule of law and democratic legitimacy, prepare institutions for further enlargement, and enhance the Union’s capacity to act, the Meijers Committee has engaged actively in the renewed EU Treaty reform debate by releasing a commentary proposing nine Treaty amendments designed to reinforce democracy and the Rule of Law across the EU.

In its efforts to address rule of law backsliding driven by government interference affecting media pluralism and freedom in several Member States, the Meijers Committee – building on its comment that addressed the promotion and safeguarding of media pluralism within the EU – seeks to highlight the need to protect journalists and other independent voices, with particular attention to the growing use of SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation). To this end, the Meijers Committee will conduct an exploratory analysis of the implementation of the European Union’s Anti-SLAPP Directive and the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers’ recommendations on countering SLAPPs in Member States, in order to assess whether these measures strengthen access to justice by (i) combating the abuse of judicial processes, and (ii) ensuring effective legal protection for those targeted by SLAPPs.

The growing rise of authoritarianism and illiberalism underscores the increasing vulnerability of the electoral process within the EU. Media manipulation and foreign interference can influence voting outcomes, parliamentary representation, and ultimately the balance of power at both national and European levels – including within the European Parliament, the Council, and the Council of Ministers. The Meijers Committee has previously commented on the absence of a robust monitoring mechanism for elections at both the national and EU levels. Building on this work, the Committee will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, inviting organizations involved in election monitoring to explore ways to strengthen democratic resilience in the context of European elections.

Through the Young Meijers Committee initiative, the Meijers Committee aims to raise awareness among a new generation of legal professionals and policymakers about current rule of law challenges in Europe. The initiative seeks to inspire and equip them with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to critically assess the EU’s trajectory and contribute to safeguarding and strengthening the rule of law.

Each year, the Meijers Committee selects 15 motivated students and/or young professionals committed to advancing the rule of law within the EU. The YMC members collaborate on a shared final product, focused on developing practical solutions for pressing rule of law challenges in the EU.

The Meijers Committee empowers the Young Meijers Committee through expert-led workshops that feed into their collective final product. The workshops will enable the YMC members to expand their understanding of rule of law challenges across the EU, while equipping them with a toolbox to address these challenges. Doing so, the workshops seek to debunk common rule of law myths in furtherance of efforts to protect the rule of law.

Furthermore, YMC members will become an integral part of the Meijers Committee by actively participating in and contributing to the subcommittee meetings and plenary sessions, acquiring practical skills and experience in defending democratic values, while expanding their professional network.