The European Commission did not change its mind Hungary. this government Victor Orban It has taken steps “in the right direction” in recent weeks, but for now it is not enough to “eliminate risks” planned for the coming weeks. independence of justice, “continuing to deteriorate” and the fight against corruption. The result of this analysis is that it suggests keeping it frozen. 13.3 billion euros of funds allocated to Hungary: 7,500 million cohesion funds and 5,800 million Next Generation EU recovery plans for the period 2021-2027. According to Brussels, payment of the money will remain paralyzed until Budapest abides by the agreement. compromised reforms. ensure judicial independence.
The first of the decisions affects conditionality mechanism It was prompted by Brussels because of the problems, irregularities and systemic deficiencies identified in the rule of law in Hungary. A mechanism that can be activated where the EU’s financial interests are concerned, leading Ursula von der Leyen’s team to propose in mid-September to freeze a third (7,500 million) of the cohesion funds allocated to the country during this budget framework. After weeks of bickering, Orban 17 packs of corrective measures, with a list of reforms and a definitive calendar. Two months later – the deadline ended on 19 November – Brussels’ conclusion is that progress is not enough.
“Despite the measures taken, it remains a risk to the EU budget, as the corrective measures still to be implemented are of a structural and horizontal nature,” the Commission said. The Commission, on factors such as the effectiveness of newly created reforms, “Despite a number of reforms undertaken or underway, Hungary has not adequately implemented the central aspects of the 17 necessary corrective measures agreed upon.” Integrity Officer and the procedure for judicial review of judicial decisions. As a result, the Community Executive proposes to continue the proposal to freeze funds for the three operational programs and not to engage in legal commitments with any public interest funds. However, the final decision will have to be made by YÖK. Ministers of Economy and Finance Qualified majority of the EU, before 19 December.
Hungarian rescue plan
The second decision concerns the recovery plan and the 5,800 million euros allocated to Hungary; this is the only euro pending ratification and has been sitting in the Community Executive Board’s drawer for a year and a half due to rule of law issues. . Finally – the approval period expires at the end of the year – Brussels proposes to approve the plan – the final decision will be made by Twenty-seven – but the funds will not be distributed until the Orban government has implemented the entire plan. As the vice-president of the commission pointed out, the reforms committed Valdis Dombrovskis27 milestones involving the guarantee of judicial independence.
“All milestones must be met before payments can be requested. There will be no funding until milestones are properly executed,” he explained. In particular, Orban will have to meet four milestones with binding and specific deadlines for judicial independence. In the first place, the creation of a National Judicial Council made up of judges elected by their colleagues”vital“To ensure a system of checks and balances, as well as an independent supreme court, with a single and non-renewable mandate.
The list is rounded off by the possibility that all judges can refer preliminary decisions to the EU Court of Justice, something that is not currently happening and is not in line with European legislation, and that ordinary justice can be strengthened. “These are key and we call them super milestones. These have to be realized in full for Hungary to be able to demand payment. If compliance is partial, there will be no partial payment. If the reforms are liquidated after the first payment, there will be no further reforms.” fulfilled,” he said. reported to the judicial commissioner, Didier Reynders.