DThe federal government accepted the proposal of the EU Commission to cut billions in EU funds for Hungary. It is good that the authority is using this instrument to protect the rule of law, said European Minister of State Anna Lührmann on Tuesday at the sidelines of an EU meeting in Brussels. The Greens politician did not comment on the question of whether the Hungarian pledges were sufficient to prevent misuse of EU money. “We are now examining these measures very carefully.”
The EU Commission proposed on Sunday to cut payments of around 7.5 billion euros from the EU budget to Hungary because of corruption and other violations of the rule of law. The authority does not currently see EU funds adequately protected once morest misuse in Hungary. However, the country made 17 pledges to eliminate the deficits. Among other things, an anti-corruption authority is to be created. The decision to freeze money earmarked for Hungary now rests with EU countries.
Austria’s Minister Karoline Edtstadler emphasized on Tuesday that there should be no compromises with the rule of law. At the same time, everyone should be given the chance to find their way back to the rule of law.
Hungary’s Justice Minister Judit Varga pointed out that the 17 measures might allay concerns related to the so-called rule of law mechanism. Hungary has committed to implement the measures. This should improve the fight once morest corruption and the protection of the EU budget.
