The EU has a hard time trying to use its existing legal and political powers to persuade governments like those in Hungary and Poland to stop their retrogressive policies. It is time for the EU to use its biggest tool of persuasion: its economic power. The upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework may be the last opportunity for the EU to take effective measures to preserve its values, given the continued rising popularity of far-right parties, which will limit the EU’s room for manoeuvre in the future. As the EU begins talks on the new Multiannual Financial Framework, Liberties outlines two proposals on how to safeguard European values through the EU’s budget. A model for conditionality of European funds and one for a new fund to support pro-EU NGOs. Read more here.
Source: Liberties.eu