How the EU is finally cracking down on Hungary’s corruption.

Concerned about corruption In light of concerns about corruption, the European Commission will likely recommend that billions of euro in cohesion money for Hungary to be frozen. It will be the first time this has been done under the new “cash for democracy” measure that is designed to defend the rule-of-law. The EU has been vocal in its criticism of the laws governing public procurement in Hungary for insufficient anti-graft safeguards that return an excessive rate of one bidder and corrupt practices. The recommendation of the Commission sends an affirmation that the EU is serious about protecting rules of law as well as fighting corruption.

1. Which executive branch has the responsibility for the European Union?

The European Union is an economic, geopolitical and political union comprised of 27 nations that are mainly located within Europe. There is a common market inside the EU and a customs union. The European Commission is the EU’s executive branch. The Commission is charged with recommending legislation, implementing decisions, and for enforcing the EU treaties. First, the EU might cut its financing for Hungary because of concerns about corruption. This is a huge decision from the EU in that Hungary is a member state. Corruption is a significant issue in Hungary, in addition to the EU is worried with the possibility that Hungary has not done enough to tackle it. In addition, the EU is also worried about the rule of law in Hungary.

2. What’s the objective of cohesion funds?

Cohesion funds which are part of the budgetary budget of the European Union, help to promote social and economic cohesion among the EU members. They can be utilized to support infrastructure and educational initiatives, in addition to various other initiatives that reduce regional inequality. Hungary is the most significant beneficiary of the cohesion funds. The European Union works to improve the transparency and accountability of how these funds are being applied. Recently, reports of corruption and poor management in Hungary has led to the EU to consider cutting cohesion funds for the country. It would be a major blow to Hungary’s economy, and could lead to further financial and social divides within Hungary.

3. How much money is allocated for Hungary in the shared budget?

The European Union is moving to decrease funding for Hungary because of concerns about corruption. It’s the first time for the bloc. Hungary is set to receive three billion euros ($3.4 billion) in EU aid next year but it could cut that by up to 10 percent under the new proposal. The change comes as the EU is increasing its scrutiny of its member countries’ performance in ensuring the rule of law as well as democracy. In recent years, Hungary has been accused in both cases of falling far behind. But the reduction in its funding is not going to take immediate effect. It would have to be approved and then ratified by every EU member states. This could result in an enormous financial loss for Hungary which heavily depends on EU financial aid.

4. Could it be there is a possibility that European Union Executive Branch is looking at suspending the funding of Hungary?

The executive branch of the European Union has been considering suspending funding for Hungary because of concerns about allegations of corruption in the country. This would be the first time that the EU had taken this action against a member state. Hungary has been accused of misuse of EU funds, and the European Commission is currently investigating the matter. The EU may decide to remove Hungary from the financial assistance program in the event that it discovers that Hungary is involved in corruption. This would be devastating to Hungary since this program is worth millions of euros every year.

5. What exactly does the “cash-for-democracy” means?

A sanction known as “cash-for democratic principles” is among the sanctions that is the European Union may use against any state that it feels is not upholding democratic principles. The sanction can be a cut in EU funds for the member state who is thought to be infringing on democratic values. The EU was established on the fundamentals of democracy, law and the protection of human rights. These values are stated in the EU’s founding documents and affirmed by the process of gaining membership to the EU. A member state that is which is found to not have met the standards in these fundamentals may face sanctions by the EU. The “cash for democracy” sanctions is one of the sanctions that the EU could adopt against a member.

Quick Summary

The European Union is taking a protest against corruption and has suspended financing for Hungary. This latest sanction, designed to protect the rule of the law, are being used to protect the rule of law by authorities of EU in the very first instance. This is in protest of what the EU considers”the “undermining” of democracy in Poland as well as Hungary.