The Council of Europe (CoE) is set to conduct a review of Malta to check whether it is honouring its democratic commitments and obligations as a member of the international organisation.
It is normal for the CoE to carry out such reviews on its 47 Member States. However, a new mechanism introduced in January allows for a more targeted approach to be taken in the selection of the countries to be reviewed – and Malta, along with Hungary and Romania, has been selected for this review.
Before, the CoE used to gradually work its way through its Member States in alphabetical order.
A source familiar with the process told The Sunday Times of Malta that the review is intended to study if Malta is living up to the Council’s stated aims, namely upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The source stressed the selection of particular countries for this review “should not be viewed as a punishment”.
Along with Malta, both Hungary and Romania have been criticised for failures in the rule of law.
Just last week, Romania was warned by the European Commission that it should step back from the brink and consult on any legal changes that could be seen as giving impunity to…
