The European Commission on Sunday proposed to member states to suspend 7.5 billion euros in European funding to Hungary, due to risks linked to corruption, pending the implementation of reforms.
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Poland assured, Sunday, September 18, that it would oppose “all steps” of Brussels aimed at depriving Hungary of 7.5 billion euros of European funding, because of the risk of corruption in this country. The European Commission pointed out on Sunday “irregularities” and “deficiencies” in Hungarian public procurement procedures, the proportion “abnormally” high number of unique candidates for these contracts, as well as the lack of control of conflicts of interest and legal proceedings in the event of suspicion of fraud.
Brussels had launched in April against Hungary a procedure never used until then, which can lead to the suspension of European funding when their use is threatened by attacks on the principles of the rule of law. The European executive has suggested to the Council, the institution representing the Member States and which is responsible for the final decision, to suspend 65% of the funds for three programs linked to cohesion policy, which represents 7.5 billion euros.
“Poland will strongly oppose any move by European institutions aimed at depriving a member country of funds, in this case Hungary.”reacted Sunday lth Polish Prime Minister. Mateusz Morawiecki is also in conflict with Brussels, which accuses him of not respecting the rule of law. The head of the nationalist-populist government recalled that his Hungarian counterpart and ally, Viktor Orban, had already prepared “a draft agreement with the European Commission”. The Commission has given Hungary until November 19 to implement measures to “remedy the situation” and allow Brussels to reassess its decision.