EU's Von der Leyen: Fighting coronavirus should not erode democratic rights

In many European countries, the suspension of previously guaranteed personal freedoms, including the right to gather and circulate freely, have raised fears that temporary policies might be extended to last beyond exceptional lockdowns.

The European Commission President said EU member states must respect core values such as the rule of law, human rights and media freedom during the public health crisis.

The European Union’s leading official has urged member countries to respect the bloc’s core values amid fears that restrictions imposed by some national governments to combat the coronavirus pandemic could erode democracy across the continent.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged the need for emergency measures as reported virus-related deaths approached 30,000 in Europe, but she reminded EU members they need to respect core values such as the rule of law, human rights and media freedom during the public health crisis.