Cut financing soon?
EU Parliament denies Hungary’s democratic status
The European Parliament agreed that Hungary is not a democracy. Thursday’s ruling said “among experts” there was growing agreement that “Hungary is no longer a democracy”.
Viktor Orban should fear funding cuts after the EU decision. (archive photo)
MEPs criticized the European Union itself for not acting decisively enough. Parliament regrets that “the lack of decisive action by the European Union has contributed to the collapse of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary”.
For months, MEPs have asked the EU Commission in Brussels to do something about alleged violations of the rule of law in Hungary and possibly cut off EU funds from the country. After much hesitation, the EU Commission launched the so-called rule of law mechanism in April. In this way, payments from the EU budget to countries can be reduced in case of violation of the common core values.
The European Union wants to keep Hungary’s door open
The commission accused Hungary of corruption, conflicts of interest and massive problems with public procurement and party financing. Behind this, there is a suspicion that a clique around Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, 59, is enriching itself at the expense of the EU’s common budget.
A decision needs to be taken by at least 15 EU countries, which represent 65 per cent of the population, before there are any real funding cuts. According to a report from the Politico website, the European Union Commission could propose a cut in funds for Hungary to member states on Sunday. But at the same time it wants to keep the door open for Hungary to avoid this through reforms. (AFP)
“Tv specialist. Friendly web geek. Food scholar. Extreme coffee junkie.”
More Stories
North Korea has a new (propaganda) song, sorry sausage
Plane from Olympic Airlines: Ellinikon's Boeing 727 is designed in a new location
The United Nations must come to the rescue – also in Geneva – News