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Surprising new turn: Poland may help Hungary get EU funds back
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Hungary has lost access to funds granted by the European Union, a withdrawal period that has prolonged considerably. However, the recent Polish elections might change this circumstance.
The Polish elections were won by Donald Tusk and his coalition, opposing the previous Orbán-friendly government in a tight race. Orbán may have lost an ally in illiberal politics, but he likely gained one in financial standing, as Tusk is striving to secure their funds as well.
Unlikely allies
The funds closed off from Hungary are also fenced off from Poland, and Tusk is vigorously fighting to change this reality. He has consulted with Brussels and is on track to reclaim the pending funds for Poland. If he succeeds, Hungary is likely to benefit too, as excluding Hungary while granting funds to Poland would be politically unwise. Particularly since Poland has not officially fulfilled any of the terms set by the EU for fund suspension, while Hungary, albeit reluctantly, has completed a substantial portion, albeit with a considerable number of necessary documents missing or falling short of the required quality.
Currently, all the funds Hungary would be entitled to receive from the EU since 2021, amounting to roughly 30 billion Euros, are inaccessible. Hungary’s strategy to regain access involves attempting to leverage their veto power against the European Union.
What can a veto do?
Hungary’s stubbornness with these vetoes could have negative repercussions. If other European Member States rally behind the idea of an inner club that denies access to funds for obstinate countries, the total inability to compromise may cease. According to this article, Hungary could potentially regain access to some funds this year if they refrain from vetoing the EU budget review. The European Commission is requesting 100 billion Euros from Member States, with half intended for Ukraine as aid and the other half reserved for unforeseen costs. Many net depositors, such as the Germans, Dutch and Danes, adamantly oppose increasing contributions to the European budget.
Mr. Tusk was the president of European Council chief – and now, again, candidate for prime minister of Poland.
As he stated; “We are ready to take responsibility for Poland in the coming years” – the policy goals include strengthening Poland’s position in the EU and NATO. The other EU Members will most definitely take him at his word. As opposed to opportunistic Politicians.
Fun fact: our Mr. Orbán supported Mr. Tusk upon his reelection… In the day.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/09/donald-tusk-re-elected-as-european-council-president-despite-polish-opposition
Tusk should not be trusted. Hungary should not agree to Tusk’s support unless EU money is already deposited in Hungarian banks.
@mariavontheresa – don’t hold your breath. Mr. Tusk is highly unlikely to support our Politicians. I believe he can do without the “taint”.
we should just leave the EW.