An advocate of the EU Court has recommended that the European Commission's decision to release funds to Hungary should be reversed until the country meets the set requirements.
The European Court of Justice advocate general has advised the court to annul the European Commission’s recent decision that allowed the release of previously blocked EU funds to Hungary. This recommendation comes at a time when the Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has faced criticism for violating rule of law principles, notably by undermining judicial independence. In light of these issues, the advocate asserts that the Commission should refrain from distributing any funds until Hungary complies with its stipulations.
The European Commission initially blocked payments to Hungary in 2022 due to concerns over rule of law violations under Orbán’s administration. Despite these concerns, the Commission later indicated a conditional release of funds during a critical moment when Hungary threatened to veto EU support for Ukraine, which has been resisting Russian aggression. This conditional approach has drawn criticism from certain Members of the European Parliament, prompting the Parliament to take legal action regarding the Commission's decision.
The advocate general's recommendation, while not binding for the court, is typically given significant consideration. The case is indicative of ongoing tensions within the EU regarding the enforcement of rule of law standards among member states, particularly with Hungary's government, and it highlights the complexities of ensuring compliance in matters of European funding. The outcome of this legal advice could have far-reaching implications for both Hungary and the EU's approach to governance and fund distribution in the future.
