Hungary and Poland have deficits in terms of democratic principles - this is why the Vice-President of the EU Parliament, Katarina Barley, wants to deny the two countries financial aid from the EU.
Brussels - In view of the presentation of the EU Commission's annual rule of law report, the Vice President of the EU Parliament, Katarina Barley (SPD), calls for EU funds to be blocked for Hungary and Poland.
"It is important that these measures primarily affect the governments and not the population," said Barley to the newspapers of the Funke media group.
In both states there are deficits in terms of democratic principles.
With regard to Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Barley said: "He and his government have made so great changes to all pillars of democracy that one can no longer speak of democratic conditions in Hungary." As an example, she cited a law that it Prohibits making books and other information carriers accessible to people under the age of 18 who “represent” or “propagate” homosexuality, transsexuality or sex reassignments.
In Poland the independence of the judiciary is at risk.
Critics accuse both the Hungarian and Polish governments of exerting an influence on the judiciary that is incompatible with EU standards.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced almost two weeks ago that the first proceedings would be launched in autumn that could lead to a cut in EU funds for countries such as Hungary and Poland.
If it turns out that rule of law violations are affecting or threatening to seriously harm the EU's financial interests, action must be taken, she said.
The EU Commission's report, expected on Tuesday, will systematically examine the state of media freedom, democracy and the fight against corruption in the EU countries.
It was presented for the first time last year.
dpa