EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls on Poland and Hungary to plead their dispute over budget at the European Court of Justice. The court could assess whether or not both member states had standing, von der Leyen argued.

In the dispute concerning Poland’s and Hungary’s veto of the EU budget, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on the two-member states to cease their blockade. Instead, both should rather refer the case to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and have the court examine their case, said von der Leyen in the European Parliament. The ECJ is the EU’s supreme court in matter of European Union law.

Poland’s Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, rejected von der Leyen’s proposal, stating the court’s lack of authority in this case. The proposal of the EU Commission President was, therefore, merely “demagogic.” He had the impression that von der Leyen was acting with “bad intent.”

The 1.8 trillion financial packages, for which Poland and Hungary refused to approve the previous week, include corona reconstruction aid as well as the long-term EU budget. For the forthcoming seven years, it comprises funds amounting to almost 1.1 trillion euros and finances, for example, grants for education and research programs. Poland and Ukraine are opposing the packages as the EU threatens to potentially cut funds for member states not adhering to the rule of law.

Von der Leyen says it was “difficult to imagine” that anyone in Europe could oppose the rule of law. With the veto, the countries would block Corona aid for millions of people and companies,”including in Poland and Hungary.”

Hungary’s Prime Minister Victor Orbán had already stated his opposition of the EU’s plan. On Thursday, Orbán meets his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki on Thursday, November 26, to agree on a negotiating position.

EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn said that a compromise was already being worked on. Accordingly, there ought to be no changes to the controversial link between the allocation of future funds and the rule of law. At the same time, however, an objective procedure should be guaranteed with the help of additional explanations.

On December 10th, the 27 EU heads of state and government will meet for their next summit. Whether or not the compromise can be agreed upon at that point remains to be seen and much will depend on today’s meeting between Poland and Hungary in Badepest.

(Image: Wikimedia Commons)