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Wasn't sure if this fell under Covid, Brexit or needed a thread of its own, but seems to be not getting much coverage.
So if I understand it properly, Hungary and Poland have vetoed the EU budget and recovery plan, because it would require them to maintain basic human rights enshrined in EU law that they've been eroding?
Not sure the EU can horsetrade on this one - if you want to be in the club, you stand by the fundamental rules. Or you have to leave, surely. Would they be thrown out or have to ask to leave?
An interesting diversion from other events.
BBC News - EU budget blocked by Hungary and Poland over rule of law issue
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54964858
Quotes from the Hungarian and Polish seem to sadly indicate banging the same "telling us what to do" drum we had thumped here.
Well now that is interesting.
Would be worrying if we ended forming a three nation political and economic union with those two under their current regimes
Hungary has been on this path for a long time and as someone who is broadly pro EU I think its a shame more has not been done but one the other hand I don't know what tools they (the EU) have available to them.
An example of the EU veto in action; the same power which could be used by any member state to block a future attempt by the UK to rejoin the EU.
I have little doubt that there will be much lobbying behind the scenes to get both to reverse their decision; don't know if either or both countries could be sanctioned in some way but suspect not.
The EU works on the basis of consensus - assuming that all member states will behave with 'honourable intentions'.
Agree with TheBrick that Hungary has been on this path for a long time.
I was hoping someone would know about the sanctions side - I know breaches of other EU laws can see countries fined or sanctioned. Raises an interesting point that if your population elects a government committed to breaching fundamental EU principles can/should you stay in.
if your population elects a government committed to breaching fundamental EU principles can/should you stay in.
No you shouldn't, whether you leave by force or voluntarily. But it really comes down to the EU appetite to tolerate blatant rule breaking for the greater good. It's not like they've made French cheese illegal or aomething serious like that!
Would be worrying if we ended forming a three nation political and economic union with those two under their current regimes
Indeed.
I had a Hungarian member of staff who gave quite an insight into the government there.
But it really comes down to the EU appetite to tolerate blatant rule breaking for the greater good.
Well yes, they've been shown to be quite flexible in the past but the events of the past four years have thrown a spotlight on the rules and principles haven't they?
I have a Hungarian colleague, she dispairs at Orban & his tactics
The mad thing is both Poland & Hungary are big net recipients of EU funds
Its epic self harm, but we can hardly comment on that!
Be interesting to see what happens post-Putin, if rumours of his moving on are true
Yep, it does seem like teh solution is "cut off the money and the votes and everything else stays the same" tbh?
I had a Hungarian member of staff who gave quite an insight into the government there.
I have a Polish colleague but not sure I know her well enough to start that particular conversation.