Spiegel: EU Mulls Funding Cuts for Eastern Europe

Europe’s largest and most powerful economies maintain that values embracing human rights and the rule of law have enhanced European prosperity. So it’s understandable that the Germany, France and others do not want to subsidize Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and other states that skirt the rule of law, refuse to support refugees and engage in corruption enriching a few individuals in power rather than society at large. EU priorities include protecting external borders, integration of immigrants and scientific research, reports Spiegel, and subsidizing member states that defy EU standards aids conservative right-wing politicians. Brexit means the bloc will have less funding, so the time could be right for using the budget to discipline problem members. The European Commission has implemented legal proceedings under Article 7 that could eventually strip Poland of voting rights in EU bodies. But reduced subsidies, ensuring a budget that reflects EU values, could be more effective. The member states that lend the greatest support to the EU budget expect a say in how funds are spent, and the proposal may already taking effect. – YaleGlobal