DiEM25 and MERA25 Italy signed the joint document with European civism and activism

Today, a joint open letter was sent to Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection.

The document is an “urgent call to tackle democratic decline, civic space and the deterioration of the rule of law in Italy“, launched by the European Civic Forum jointly signed by more than eighty civic and activist associations from all over Europe.

DiEM25 and MERA25 Italy strongly signed the call, aimed at “raising concerns about the growing erosion of civic space, democratic guarantees and the rule of law in Italy. The Italian government’s Security Decree is emblematic of a dangerous escalation“. With the exhortation “to exercise its mandate, as outlined in its mission letter, to strengthen the protection of civil society, human rights defenders and activists and defend democracy and the rule of law by taking decisive measures against this alarming development.”

The call

The call concludes by reaffirming that “the European Commission has both the competence and the obligation to act when a Member State fails to respect the values of the Union under Articles 2 and 3 TEU, violates the rights protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and erodes the rule of law.”
As Commissioner in charge of safeguarding the rule of law, upholding the Charter of Fundamental Rights and protecting civil society, the open letter calls on Commissioner McGrath “to take responsibility to act decisively and:

1. Publicly call on the Italian government to repeal the Security Law and ensure full compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and the values enshrined in Articles 2 and 3 TEU.
2. Make a strong, explicit recommendation in the 2025 Rule of Law Report condemning the law and highlighting its severe effects on civic space, democracy and the rule of law.
3. Conduct a field visit to Italy to meet and dialogue with civil society, particularly from the most targeted groups.
4. Engage in direct political dialogue with the Italian government to ensure that democracy and the rule of law are upheld.
5. Conduct a legal assessment of the Security Decree’s compatibility with EU law and, if violations are confirmed, initiate infringement proceedings under Article 258 TFEU.

On everything, DiEM25 and MERA25 Italy fully agree. Here is the full letter.

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