Orban beckons ten billion from Brussels
With billions frozen from the EU budget, Hungary is taking tiny steps towards judicial reform. At the same time, Prime Minister Orban is threatening Brussels with a blockade of aid to Ukraine. Now his double strategy seems to be working.
In the judicial dispute with the European Union, Hungary can hope for the release of billions in financial aid from Brussels. The EU Commission could release up to ten billion euros that have been frozen in the rule of law dispute with Hungary, according to EU officials in Brussels this afternoon. That is almost half of the total blocked funds. However, Hungary still has to fulfill conditions.
"We see significant reforms and we believe that these will contribute to the independence of the judiciary," they said in Brussels. Under pressure from the EU, the right-wing nationalist Hungarian head of government Viktor Orban initiated a judicial reform in the spring. Among other things, it provides for the country's highest courts to be protected from political influence and for the National Judicial Council to be strengthened as a supervisory body.
"The maximum amount that could be released is ten billion euros," said the EU source. For this to happen, however, the justice law would have to be passed by the parliament in Budapest and it would have to be "signed and published", i.e. enter into force with legal validity.
Threat to block aid to Ukraine
Orban had even demanded more than 13 billion euros from Brussels. Nevertheless, the release of the funds would be a point victory for the EU critic. The four major pro-European groups in the European Parliament, from the Conservatives to the Greens, had warned President Ursula von der Leyen's Commission against such a move. They pointed to serious shortcomings that the judicial reform would not solve either. For example, the irregularly appointed President of the Supreme Court in Hungary would remain in office, possibly for life.
A number of member states and members of the European Parliament are also accusing Orban of political "blackmail": This is because the latter is threatening to use his veto to prevent further billions in EU aid for Ukraine ahead of the summit meeting of European heads of state and government in mid-December, as well as the planned go-ahead for EU accession talks.
At the end of December 2022, the EU froze a total of 21.7 billion for Hungary, primarily funds for regional development. According to the EU, 11.7 billion of this remains blocked for the time being. According to Brussels, Hungary is also in breach of Europe's Charter of Fundamental Rights when it comes to asylum policy and the rights of sexual minorities.
Hungary's potential release of frozen EU funds, amounting to up to ten billion euros, is dependent on completing judicial reforms as per the EU's requirements. The EU Commission commends Hungary's reform efforts, particularly in the areas of judicial independence and the strengthening of the National Judicial Council.
Despite these advancements, Hungary's judicial reforms have not addressed all EU concerns, such as the retaining of the irregularly appointed Supreme Court President. This has led to criticisms from pro-European groups in the European Parliament and accusations of political blackmail from some member states due to Orban's threat to veto further EU aid for Ukraine.
Viktor Orban's actions have placed Hungary in a delicate situation, as its stance towards Ukraine's EU accession talks and the provision of EU aid could significantly impact its relationship with the EU.
Source: www.ntv.de
