Nine EU Nations Push for Reassessment of Human Rights Convention Interpretation

A coalition of nine EU countries—Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland—has called for a renewed dialogue on how the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is applied, particularly regarding migration policies, Anadolu Agency reported. The joint appeal, outlined in an open letter released by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office, emphasizes the need to “restore the right balance” between human rights obligations and national sovereignty.

The initiative follows a meeting in Rome between Meloni and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, both known for their stringent migration stances. The letter coincides with escalating EU debates over the authority of international courts and border control strategies.

While all 27 EU members are signatories to the 1953 ECHR—which guarantees fundamental rights like freedom from torture and discrimination—the bloc itself has not yet formally acceded to the treaty. Full EU accession would subject its institutions to oversight by the European Court of Human Rights, a step still under negotiation.