The new budget proposed by the European Commission has no clear strategic foundations and will destroy the European Union, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on state radio on Friday, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
"This budget will destroy the European Union. I think this budget will not survive even next year. The Commission will have to either withdraw it or go back step by step", Orban said, criticizing plans to provide money to Ukraine and planned changes to agricultural subsidies.
When the budget was presented earlier this week, Orban criticized it, calling it a "pro-Ukrainian budget" and accusing the EC of putting Ukraine above European citizens. He called on the Commission to withdraw the plan, saying it was too weak to hold serious negotiations.
In the multiannual financial framework announced this week and in its proposal for a seven-year budget, the EC plans to link future EU funding to respect for democratic values. Under the new framework, member states must respect the EU's core values, including the principles enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. Only then will they be granted access to funding. The step introduces a form of "smart conditionality", EC President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday.
"In the national regional partnership plans, we are making the rule of law and fundamental rights a condition for investment and a priority for reforms," von der Leyen said. "We will spend EU funds responsibly, with strong safeguards, clear conditions and appropriate incentives - because this is in the interest of our citizens".
If the measure is adopted as proposed, it could lead to a complete suspension of EU funds for Hungary, recalls the English-language edition of "Euronews". The country is already threatened with a freeze of €18 billion in EU funds due to concerns about systemic corruption and a retreat from democracy. Under the current budgetary framework, Hungary has access to only €10 billion of these funds.
Hungary is the only EU country currently subject to the rule of law mechanism - an instrument that allows funds to be suspended in cases of systemic violations of EU values. Budapest categorically opposed the adoption of this mechanism in 2020.