The EU’s Court of Justice rejected on Wednesday, February 16, the actions brought by Hungary and Poland against the conditionality mechanism, which makes receiving financing from the EU budget subject to the respect by the bloc’s countries for the principles of the rule of law, the BBC broadcaster reports.
The court stated in a press release on Wednesday, February 16, that Poland and Hungary had challenged «Regulation 2020/2092 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the Union budget».
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Both EU member states have been investigated by the European Commission for undermining the independence of courts, media and non-governmental organisations and both are key recipients of EU funding.
According to the court, complying with rule of law was a condition of enjoying membership of the EU. In addition, «sound financial management of the EU’s budget» could be seriously compromised by breaches of rule of law.
The politicians from the ruling elite in both Eastern European countries have criticised the ruling. Polish deputy minister Janusz Kowalski blamed the EU of trying starve Hungary and Poland financially. in Hungary, Justice Minister Judit Varga criticised the EU of alleged abuse of power, the BBC reports.
EU’s top court upsets Polish, Hungarian governments in historic ruling
