Economics
Poland, Hungary Accuse EU of ‘Blackmail’ Over Pandemic Aid Delay
- Rule-of-law concerns are holding up payouts to two EU members
- Hungary vows not to cede ground, Poland more likely to cave
Zbigniew Ziobro
Photographer: Omar Marques/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Poland and Hungary reacted with anger to comments from top European Union officials suggesting further delays are in store for post-pandemic aid to both countries because of concerns of whether they’re upholding the rule of law.
The eastern European nations are among a dwindling group of member states that have yet to receive approval for their plans to spend their shares of the bloc’s virus stimulus package. European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said this week the EU executive is seeking additional clarification from them about their compliance with the conditions of the aid.