The ministers of European affairs from Sweden and Finland have called for access to the EU budget to be tied to countries respecting the rule of law and fundamental rights. This comes after Brussels blocked funds to Poland and Hungary over concerns about judicial reforms and democratic backsliding. The ministers argue that all member states must adhere to common values like democracy and fundamental rights, as outlined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. They propose expanding the oversight of EU funding programmes, such as the Common Agricultural Policy, to ensure compliance with these values.
The ministers’ letter also calls on the European Commission to make full use of a conditionality mechanism that can freeze funds in cases where the bloc’s financial integrity is at risk. This mechanism has only been used once, in response to corruption concerns in Hungary. The ministers assert that rule of law conditionality should be strengthened, rather than weakened, to ensure that EU funds are used appropriately and responsibly. They argue that taxpayers need to trust that common EU funds are being used effectively.
The ministers’ call for tying access to the EU budget to respect for the rule of law comes as the Commission is reportedly preparing to take action against Slovakia for legislative changes introduced by Prime Minister Robert Fico. These changes include the abolition of the Special Prosecutor’s Office, which handles corruption-related crimes. The Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has promised to build a closer link between EU funds and respect for the rule of law. The latest EU report on the rule of law shows that Hungary and Slovakia have made little progress in addressing previous recommendations.
The ministers from Sweden and Finland argue that the overhaul of the EU budget should include all areas and programs, not just the Common Agricultural Policy. They propose expanding the oversight provisions that are currently in place for cohesion funding to cover all aspects of the budget. This would ensure that all member states are held accountable for respecting the rule of law and fundamental rights in order to receive EU funds. They emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of the EU budget and ensuring that taxpayers can trust how their money is being used.
The ministers’ letter highlights the need for an active rule of law policy within the EU to address concerns about democratic backsliding and judicial reforms in member states. They stress the importance of upholding common values such as democracy and fundamental rights, which all member states have agreed to uphold. By tying access to the EU budget to respect for these values, the ministers aim to strengthen accountability and transparency in the allocation of EU funds. They call on the European Commission to take action to ensure that common EU funds are used appropriately and responsibly in all member states.
In response to concerns about corruption and legislative changes in member states like Hungary and Slovakia, the ministers from Sweden and Finland advocate for a stronger rule of law conditionality mechanism within the EU budget. They argue that freezing funds in cases where financial integrity is at risk should be a common feature across all areas of the budget. By making full use of this mechanism and expanding oversight provisions, the ministers believe that the EU can better uphold its common values and ensure that funds are used in accordance with democratic principles and fundamental rights. The call for a closer link between access to the EU budget and respect for the rule of law reflects a broader push for accountability and transparency within the EU.
