In the news: Hungary's EU funds, COP27, and the Energy Charter Treaty

The European Commission and Viktor Orbán’s government have been in an arm-wrestling contest for a few months now. Can the EU make the COP27 a success?

🇭🇺 Rule of law in Hungary: money for reform

The European Commission and Viktor Orbán’s government have been in an arm-wrestling contest for a few months now. The European institution demands that Hungary make serious reform of its judiciary system before it can claim its COVID-recovery money and €7.5 billion in EU funds, for a total of €13,3 billion!

For the Hungarian government, fresh money would do nicely to solve the issues that are piling up on the prime minister’s desk. Inflation (up to 20%) and oil and gas prices through the roof led to widespread protests against the cost of living.

Hungary has until this Saturday, November 19, to enact 17 measures set out by the European Commission to meet its concerns about democracy and rule of law, or it risks losing part or all of the €7.5 billion. Then, the Commission will give its assessment, with November 30 now the likely date. On December 6, EU finance ministers will formally have their say on whether to release the money. But the word around Brussels is that it’s a done deal. — Politico

Ultimately, no one expects the European Commission to withhold the funds for long. To save face, the Hungarian government promised “ambitious” reforms. Whether or not they are adopted in the end is another question—hence the quotation marks. In addition, Hungary could give up on its veto at the Council, for instance on matters regarding Russian sanctions and aid to Ukraine.

Some Member states already criticised the deal. Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands called on the Commission to conduct an appropriate risk analysis that the Hungarian plan is not a blank check to Orbán’s undemocratic practices.

“If the Commission releases the money to Viktor Orbán, Ursula von der Leyen will be personally responsible for turning Hungary into a swamp of corruption,” said Moritz Körner, a German Renew MEP, Politico reported. 

Will Orbàn get his money? What will he do with it? — AFP

🇪🇬 The European delegation at the COP27 raises the bar

In an unexpected turn of events, the EU proposed—through Frans Timmermans, First VP of the Commission—the creation of a worldwide fund to aid the victims of climate disasters in the most vulnerable countries.

But there is a catch. The EU asked that CO2 global emission would peak before 2025. Furthermore, the two biggest emitters China and the United States, have not answered this proposal.

Let’s wait until next week for further development, as delegates believe the Sharm El-Sheikh conference could last a little longer than expected.

🇱🇺 Energy Charter Treaty: Luxembourg lands another blow

The Energy Charter Treaty is an organisation that ganranteed energy investments in former sovietic countries. It is widely considered now misaligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

After France, Germany, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands, Luxembourg joins the fun and declares its participation in the (in)famous Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) done. The decision was announced by Luxembourgish minister Claude Turmes on Twitter.

Claude Turmes @ClaudeTurmes

#EnergyCharterTreaty Le Luxembourg sort du Traité de la Charte de l'Energie (TCE). C'est ce qu'a décidé le Conseil de gouvernement aujourd'hui, sur ma proposition. (1/2)

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