EU triggers rule-of-law budget mechanism against Hungary
ABC News
The European Commission has launched proceedings that could ultimately lead to the partial suspension of support payments to Hungary for breaching the 27-nation bloc’s rule-of-law standards
BRUSSELS -- The European Commission has launched proceedings that could ultimately lead to the partial suspension of support payments to Hungary for breaching the 27-nation bloc’s rule-of-law standards, the EU's executive arm said Wednesday.
The commission has given Hungary formal notification that marks the start of the process. The notice opens a round of discussions, and Hungary has two months to provide explanations and propose remedies
The case marks the first use of a new mechanism allowing the EU to take action to protect its budget since the European Union’s highest court ruled in February that the procedure had been adopted legally.
The commission said the main goal will be reaching an agreement so the process can be stopped. If not, the process will continue, and the commission would ultimately make proposals for EU members to consider.
