echr The European Convention on Human Rights — once seen as unshakable — now faces unprecedented scrutiny. With member states questioning rulings and political leaders calling for reform, the debate over the ECHR’s future has shifted from legal to existential.
Supporters of the Convention insist it must be reinforced to counter rising authoritarian trends and protect individuals against abuses of power. They argue that the ECHR remains a vital safeguard for minorities, refugees, and political dissidents across Europe.
Critics, however, say the system requires urgent reform. Some governments claim the European Court of Human Rights has expanded its reach beyond the original intent of the Convention, undermining national judicial independence.
The question now is not whether the ECHR has value — but whether Europe’s political will is strong enough to preserve it. As new challenges emerge, from AI surveillance to digital censorship, the Convention’s adaptability will determine whether it continues to stand as the bedrock of European democracy or fades into symbolic relevance.
