The European Union might leave Poland and Hungary out of its economic recovery plan if the two countries continue to resist efforts to link the disbursement of 1.8 trillion euros of funds with rule-of-law provisions. This was stated by French Minister for European Affairs Clement Beaune in an interview with Journal du Dimanche, Reuters reported.
“Our position is clear: we will not sacrifice either the recovery or the rule of law,” Beaune said.
“There is no question of reviewing the mechanism which links the two.”
Hungary and Poland have for weeks blocked the release of funds from the EU’s seven-year budget and a post-Covid-19 development fund, cash sorely needed by member states trying to emerge from their coronavirus-induced recession.
“It’s not a threat but the direct consequence of the absence of a new budget if they maintain their veto on the package,” he said.
As we reposted earlier, the European Commission has adopted a strategy for sustainable pandemic management in the coming winter months, a period that could increase the incidence.
The strategy recommends continued vigilance and caution throughout the winter period and into 2021 when the rollout of safe and effective vaccines will occur.
