The row over the rule of law between the European Union and the Hungarian government will boil down to one single question in the coming days: Did the Hungarian government deliver on the 17 measures agreed with the EU-Commission – or did they not?

Complying with these 17 measures, including the creation of an Integrity Authority, reducing Single Bidder Tenders and a general strengthening of the anticorruption-framework, would be crucial for the Hungarian government to avoid 7.5 billion Euros – allocated to Hungary under the EU budget – being frozen.

While the Hungarian government claims that they have already implemented most  – if not all – of the reforms, they officially will have to report to the EU Commission by November 19th. Depending on how satisfied the Commission is with the Hungarian efforts the rule of law conditionality procedure will either be closed or the freezing of funds be voted on in the Council, probably on 6 December. 

European Parliament rule of law negotiators from EPP, S&D, Renew and the Greens/EFA groups have drafted their assessment of the 17 measures – their adequacy to protect EU funds as well as their current implementation – and will present their findings in a joint press conference.

WHEN?

Thursday, November 17th – 10h30am

WHERE?

Anna Politkovskaya press room, PHS building of the European Parliament in Brussels.

Remote participation is possible with the following link: https://ep.interactio.eu/66e2-hy1p-1w4u

WHO?

Petri Sarvaama, EPP, co-rapporteur on the rule of law conditionality

Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, S&D, co-rapporteur on the rule of law conditionality

Moritz Körner, Renew, shadow rapporteur on the rule of law conditionality

Daniel Freund, Greens/EFA, shadow rapporteur on the rule of law conditionality