The Big EU Rule-of-Law Battle Is Still to Come After Rescue Deal
- Budget agreement links funding to rule-of-law for first time
- Debate continues over whether it can rein in rogue members
Ursula Von Der Leyen speaks during a news conference following a four day European summit at the European Council in Brussels, on July 21.
Photographer: Stephanie Lecocq/AFP via Getty Images
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European Union leaders for the first time introduced language linking funding to upholding the rule-of-law, but its vague wording allowed both rogue members and rights champions to claim victory and pushed the debate to later this year.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the text adopted after four days of non-stop budget talks for providing a “clear link” between financing and adherence to the EU’s democratic standards. On the other side, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he’d “fought off” just such an attempt.