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The MEP group is trying to close the “window”, which opens an intermediate assessment of the EU cohesion means to “defrost” public funds in Hungary.
An intermediate assessment is aimed at the redistribution of funds that were previously not used in areas such as protection.
The fears are expressed that the Orban government can, taking advantage of this opportunity, “thaw” some of the amounts that the commission blocked, without fulfilling the conditions established by the EU, such as the restoration of academic freedom or respect for rights.
Hungary has already requested a redistribution of funds of the cohesion fund
Mep Greens Daniel Freund told Euronews that the Hungarian government had already received 160 million euros from the funds that had previously committed and is trying to earn another 600 million euros.
“Orban plays games again. He is trying to transfer money from frozen funds to resources that are still available. Until Hungary is satisfied with the rule of law, one cent. Freind.
EURONEWS could not verify the statement that 160 million euros were paid in Hungary from reserved funds. The commission did not comment on Hungary’s request for default of 600 million euros.
“We urge the state -member states to adjust and change their cohesion programs in order to adapt them to the new priorities of the commission. This is a constant process. Like other states of Hungary member, he is involved in this process, but since it is not yet completed, I cannot confirm the numbers or amounts. Berest, adding that any such exception requires the preliminary approval of the committee.
The Hungarian government refused to comment on this problem, saying that negotiations on cohesion were ongoing.
The committee is trying to reassure members of Europe
Earlier, the European Commission tried to assure members of Europe that the rule of law would remain a prerequisite for the payment of resources from the cohesion fund even during the revision.
“If the regulation is valid, and if the funds are frozen in this context, you can be sure that these funds cannot be affected, they cannot be affected by possible flexibility in the context of a cohesion policy,” said Euronews Baláz Ujvári, a representative of the European Commission.
The vice president of the commission also made an intervention, Rafael Filuwho sent a letter to the President of the European Parliamentary Commission of the Region Commission, which makes it clear that the commission will not give a green light for any request for payment subordinate to the previous obligations.
“The commission is still committed to ensuring compliance with the supremacy of the law during the payment of funds and will evaluate any request for amendments to the program in accordance with the Rules for General Provisions (CPS), the rules of the procedure for the rule of the parliament website.
Meps warns about the absence of guarantees
However, according to the Dutch member of Europe Tinneke Strik, who is a speaker of the European Parliament in Hungary, this statement cannot be legally binding, and Hungary may use the spaces of existing regulation to disclose money.
Daniel Ferid also indicates another possible “window” that Hungary can use, claiming that redistribution of up to 8% will not lead to the intervention of the committee.
Earlier, in June, the Regi Parliamentary Committee proposed opening CAP regulation to enable stronger guarantees, but this was not possible for legal reasons.
Klára Dobrev, Mep S&D from Hungary also believes that a temporary review will not provide sufficient guarantees.
“Detecting the question of an intermediate revision of the EU budget, we came to the conclusion that we should not be satisfied with the commitment of the European Commission. The world will be on them, but also at ours, to see if they will save their word.
Dbrev was one of the 8 ESB, which voted against proposals on an intermediate revision of the regional committee on Wednesday during the day. But the majority He approved the text, which means that next week he will go to a plenary meeting, where he will probably be approved.
Why Brussels blocked funds for Hungary
If Hungary manages to release some funds from the cohesion fund, which was previously blocked for the rule of law and corruption, Viktor Orban will have a greater victory.
A total of 18 billion euros of the total of 28 billion euros, the activation of the rule of law was committed to fears about corruption and, in the case of a rally, from the non -admiri with a map of the EU fundamental rights.
Hungary was called upon to ensure academic freedom, protection of the rights of Loatka and the respect of the right to asylum for revaluation of funds.
In December 2023, the European Commission issued 10.2 billion euros from the “frosty” resources of the cohesion fund for Hungary, shortly before the important Summit of the EU, where Viktor Orban was a veto in the packet of assistance in $ 50 billion.
At that time, many members of the European Parliament accused the EU of expanding the secret agreement with Budapest and threatened the committee with a court claim. Those who criticize the process believe that without strong and legally mandatory guarantees, the distribution of funds can be used in similar agreements with Viktor Orban in the future.