Introductory text

THE EUROPEAN COMMISION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 224 thereof,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 106a thereof,

Having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 of 22 October 2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations^f1, and in particular Article 11(1) thereof,

Whereas:

Regulation (EU, Euratom) 1141/2014 provides that both types of entity must, as a condition of their registration, observe, in both their programmes and their activities, the values on which the Union is founded, as expressed in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union namely respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect from human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.

Where doubts arise as to whether a party or foundation is observing this requirement in practice, the European Parliament, the Council or the Commission may lodge a request with the Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations to verify the situation.

Before coming to a decision on whether to de-register a party or foundation, the Authority shall consult a Committee of independent eminent persons, which is to deliver an opinion within two months.

A committee of independent eminent persons has been established by Article 11(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014.

Article 11(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 provides that the committee shall consist of six members, with the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission each appointing two members,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: