Despite recent anti-corruption measures, Hungary fears that billions in EU payments will be stopped. Clear announcements on the subject are expected from the European Commission today.
This Wednesday, the EU Commission intends to make a recommendation on the possible freezing of billions in payments to Hungary. Because the right-wing government in Budapest, according to the authority, violates the principles of the rule of law and does not take decisive action against corruption, around 7.5 billion euros from the community budget and 5.8 billion euros in corona aid could be blocked.
The basis of the planned recommendation is an examination of measures taken by Hungary against the possible misuse of EU funds. From the point of view of the EU Commission, these are not sufficient and contradict previous announcements.
Therefore, it should be proposed to the other Member States to withhold around 7.5 billion euros from the Community budget. The recommendation could be adopted by an EU Council of Ministers in the next four weeks. However, a qualified majority would be necessary – that is, at least 15 of the 27 EU states would have to agree and together make up at least 65 percent of the total population of the EU.
Payment only under conditions
It also looks bleak for Hungary with a view to the hoped-for payment of billions in corona aid from the EU. The EU Commission wants to make a positive recommendation on the Hungarian plan for the use of funds. However, the money should only flow if the country meets certain requirements. This includes those formulated in the rule of law process. Hungary wants to receive 5.8 billion euros in grants from the EU’s so-called recovery and resilience facility.
The further developments are eagerly awaited, above all because Hungary has considerable means at its disposal to exert pressure on the EU. For example, the government in Budapest could block all decisions that require unanimity in the EU. This applies, for example, to sanctions against Russia or decisions to support Ukraine in the war against the neighboring country.
“Integrity Authority” against corruption
Representatives of the Hungarian government were deliberately relaxed before the commission’s recommendation. Since all promises are being implemented, it is to be hoped that all EU funds will be available next year, said Minister for Regional Development Tibor Navracsics in Budapest yesterday.
Among other things, Hungary has met EU requirements by creating a new “integrity authority” to review suspected cases of corruption. Further legislative changes in this sense are planned for the coming week.
Source: Stern
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