politics
February 1, 2026
EU democracy now has fewer boundaries than the average hooker
Calls to strip a former Austrian foreign minister of her citizenship set an abysmally low bar for rule of law

TL;DR
- EU officials are accused of disregarding legal rules and democratic principles when sanctioning individuals for their statements about Russia or Ukraine.
- The case of former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl involves attempts to strip her of citizenship due to her Russian media appearances and role in a Russian think tank.
- The article questions the vague definitions used in EU sanctions, citing the example of former Swiss Colonel Jacques Baud, who is described as a 'mouthpiece for pro-Russian propaganda'.
- The author argues that vague terms like 'information manipulation' and 'supporting policies' are used without clear criteria, making it difficult for individuals to understand or avoid breaching sanctions.
- The EU executive is accused of using policy and executive prerogative powers as a substitute for legal due process and checks and balances.
- The article suggests that these actions violate the European Convention on Human Rights and basic principles of legal certainty and democracy.
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