MEPs discussed last night in Strasbourg Hungary’s progress in combating the threat to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in the country, calling on the European Commission not to release the frozen funds until Budapest fulfills all the conditions set.
Many MEPs expressed alarm at rumors that the EC was planning to give money to Hungary in exchange for its support for Ukraine – a prospect they condemned as worrying. But Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders assured that the funds “will not come without the necessary changes”. At the moment, Brussels has frozen 22 billion euros due to Hungary from the cohesion funds.
“The principles of the rule of law are not for sale, they are not subject to bargaining and cannot serve as a bargaining chip,” said EPP MEP Jeroen Lennars (Netherlands), who said further action was needed before the EC unfroze the funds. “Only significant, tangible and lasting reforms can allow the release of blocked European funds.”
Hungarian MEPs hit back at Brussels, accusing the EU of trying to blackmail Budapest by withholding funds. “The aim was never to reach an agreement, this is pure blackmail,” said Baláš Hidvegi, an MP from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party. MEP Tamas Deutsch warned that Hungary “will not play by Brussels’ whistle” and will continue to defend its sovereignty.
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2023-11-23 12:57:32
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