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 The new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, has raised expectations of democratic recovery, often referred to as, “democratic frontsliding”. However, as Poland's ongoing experience illustrates, reversing institutional deterioration is a complex and lengthy process.

Another turning point came on 21 April 2026, when the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) delivered its judgement in Commission v. Hungary (C-769/22). In a significant ruling concerning Hungary's 2021 "child protection law", the CJEU found, for the first time in an infringement action against a Member State, a breach of Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), which enshrines EU's foundational values. CJEU's ruling addressed the legislation that restricted access to content depicting LGBTQ+ identities and relationships, finding that the measures violated EU law and fundamental rights. 

Furthermore, the negotiations for the new Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2035) provide opportunities to expand mechanisms of conditionality linked to the protection of EU values.

Against this backdrop, this workshop will provide an opportunity to reflect on whether these developments signal a lasting shift in the protection of EU values and what challenges lie ahead for the EU and its Member States.

Date: 22 October 2026, 9:00- 12:00

Venue: University of Palermo, Law Department, Aula Circolare

The workshop will be held in English.

Click here to join the workshop online

^{The event is organised as part of re:constitution's Alumni Network Incubator Fund, which supports collaborative projects developed by alumni reflecting the network's commitment to sustaining work on democracy and the rule of law beyond the fellowship year.}