by Z.M., V4 Agency
In a letter Prime MInister Viktor Orban has informed German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council Chief Charles Michel that the Hungarian government will veto the legislation on the EU’s next seven-year budget and recovery scheme, the Hungarian premier’s press chief said.
“I have just been informed about the latest developments regarding the implementation of the MFF/NGEU [the Multiannual Financial Framework and the “Next Generation EU” recovery fund,” Viktor Orban wrote.
In his letter, Hungary’s prime minister confirmed that, in line with the principle of “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed”, the Hungarian government will vote against all elements of the MFF/NGEU legislative package, including a veto of elements that require unanimity, such as the MFF regulation and the resolution on individual contributions.
Bertalan Havasi, the Hungarian premier’s press chief, recalled Viktor Orban’s former thoughts on the subject. According to the premier, linking the next 7-year budget and emergency recovery scheme to conditions that fail to provide an exact definition on what constitutes an alleged violation would jeopardise trust between member states and go against Hungary’s interests. Such conditions could lead to arbitrary and politically-motivated budgetary sanctions using a double standard. Common values, including the rule of law, are essential for Hungary, and their enforcement and application must be judged by the Hungarian people, who are just as capable of that as any other European nation, the prime minister stressed.