Czechia violates EU law by barring other EU citizens from joining political parties

The European Court of Justice ruled today that Czechia and Poland violated EU law by preventing EU nationals from joining their political parties. The court stressed that EU citizens residing in a member state other than their own must have equal access to resources needed to exercise their electoral rights.

The court ordered both countries to comply immediately, warning that failure to do so could lead to financial penalties at the European Commission's request.

The European Commission began addressing Czechia's restrictions in 2012 by opening formal proceedings for breaching EU rules. Despite repeated criticism, Czechia has maintained that its laws comply with EU regulations.