Menu
Latest
Menu
Latest
News

European Commission takes first step towards cutting EU subsidies to Hungary and Poland over rule of law dispute

20 November 2021

The European Commission has taken the first step towards using the fraught rule of law test against EU member states Poland and Hungary. This test could lead to EU subsidies being cut or stopped for both nations.

The commission sent a series of questions to Poland and Hungary on Friday (19 November) on areas of the rule of law it is concerned about. Poland is expected to explain whether Polish judges can still work independently and whether it still respects the authority of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Hungary can expect questions on the risk of corruption, conflicts of interest and abuses in public procurement.

The answers will enable the commission to determine whether EU subsidies to Poland and Hungary are at risk of going astray. The same applies to the tens of billions of euros from the EU COVID-19 Recovery Fund claimed by the two member states. The commission has still not approved their recovery plans, which were submitted in the spring.

Warsaw and Budapest have two months in which to respond to the questions.


source: commonspace.eu with the European Commission and agencies
photo: EU flags outside the EU commission building in Brussels. European Commission

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged
Trending

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

9 June 2021
Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
In Kuwait, Emir dissolves parliament and suspends part of the Constitution
Trending

In Kuwait, Emir dissolves parliament and suspends part of the Constitution

11 May 2024
Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah has issued a decree dissolving parliament and suspending some of the articles of the constitution for “a period not exceeding four years”, after weeks of political tension following recent elections. Speaking on television on Friday night (10 May), the Kuwaiti leader said: “We ordered the dissolution of the National Assembly and the suspension of some articles of the constitution for a period not exceeding four years,” the Emir said in a televised speech on Friday evening. “The recent turmoil in the Kuwaiti political scene has reached a stage where we cannot remain silent, so we must take all necessary measures to achieve the best interest of country and its people.” During the period of suspension of the articles of the constitution, all aspects of the democratic process will be studied, the Emir said. The powers of the National Assembly will be assumed by the Emir and the country's cabinet, state TV reported. “Kuwait has been through some hard times lately … which leaves no room for hesitation or delay in making the difficult decision to save the country and secure its highest interests,” the Emir added. The Gulf country held its fourth elections in as many years last month, with 39 of the 46 members from the previous parliament retaining their seats.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
In Kuwait, Emir dissolves parliament and suspends part of the Constitution
Trending

In Kuwait, Emir dissolves parliament and suspends part of the Constitution

11 May 2024
Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah has issued a decree dissolving parliament and suspending some of the articles of the constitution for “a period not exceeding four years”, after weeks of political tension following recent elections. Speaking on television on Friday night (10 May), the Kuwaiti leader said: “We ordered the dissolution of the National Assembly and the suspension of some articles of the constitution for a period not exceeding four years,” the Emir said in a televised speech on Friday evening. “The recent turmoil in the Kuwaiti political scene has reached a stage where we cannot remain silent, so we must take all necessary measures to achieve the best interest of country and its people.” During the period of suspension of the articles of the constitution, all aspects of the democratic process will be studied, the Emir said. The powers of the National Assembly will be assumed by the Emir and the country's cabinet, state TV reported. “Kuwait has been through some hard times lately … which leaves no room for hesitation or delay in making the difficult decision to save the country and secure its highest interests,” the Emir added. The Gulf country held its fourth elections in as many years last month, with 39 of the 46 members from the previous parliament retaining their seats.