"As outlined in our resolution of 10 June 2021, I have written to the President of the Commission on behalf of the European Parliament and on the basis of Article 265 of the TFEU, inviting the Commission to fulfill its obligations as guardian of the Treaties and ensure full and immediate application of the regulation on respect of the rule of law," Sassoli said at the opening of the EP's plenary session in Brussels.

"We are convinced that there have been flagrant violations of the principles of the rule of law by certain member states, which need to be sanctioned," he said. "If there is no reaction from the Commission within the timeframe specified in the Treaties, we will take action in the Court of Justice," he added.