#EUFridays by JEF Hungary #5

Poland and Hungary rule-of-law challenge to be dismissed

The European Court of Justice should dismiss a challenge that Poland and Hungary submitted against the new rule-of-law mechanism put in place in the EU. This tool would enable the bloc to suspend funds for member states if its government breaks the EU’s principles. Advocate general Manuel Campos Sanchez-Bordona stated his opinion that the “court should dismiss the actions for annulment brought forward”. His opinion is non-binding, but the ECJ usually follows the advice in its final ruling. The governments in Warsaw and Budapest have criticised the advocate general’s opinion, while claiming that the EU mechanism is too vague and goes beyond what treaties would allow it to do. If a ruling in line with the advocates general where to happen, it would clear the way for the EU Commission to put the rule-of-law mechanism to use against Hungary and Poland, which it has been reluctant to do so far. The ruling in this case is expected in early 2022.

Europe’s new Global Gateway infrastructure initiative

The European Union has unveiled its €300 billion investment program, with which the bloc aims to provide an alternative to China’s Belt and Road initiative. EU commissioner Jutta Urpilanien said, “with the Global Gateway we want to create strong and sustainable links, not dependencies, between Europe and the world and build a new future for young people". The EU program will be financed by a mix of grants, investments from member states and their banks and private sector, including the European Investment Bank. The plan focuses on the key areas of: clean energy, transport, health, education and research.

New sanctions on Belarus announced

The EU, USA, UK and Canada have all imposed new sanctions on Belarus. This comes amid accusations against the government of President Alexander Lukashenko, for human rights violations and the orchestration of irregular migration at the EU’s border. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the sanctioning countries stated that, “We remain committed to supporting the democratic aspirations of the people of Belarus and stand together to impose costs on the regime – and those who support it – for its efforts to silence the voices of independent civil society, media and all Belarusians seeking to speak the truth about what is happening in their country.” This decision is part of an increasing pressure campaign by Western countries against Lukashenko.