US EditionMerz: Hungary and Slovakia Could Lose EU Funds over Pro-Russia Stance
- On 26 May, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Hungary and Slovakia risk having EU financial support withdrawn due to their continued opposition to sanctions against Russia amid the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
- Merz's warning followed Hungary and Slovakia obstructing EU sanctions against Russia and opposing military aid to Ukraine amid Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion.
- Both governments, led by Viktor Orbán in Hungary and Robert Fico in Slovakia, represent a small minority within the 27 EU states and have vetoed or weakened sanctions.
- Merz warned that if Hungary and Slovakia persist on their current path, tensions within the EU will become inevitable, and he highlighted possible measures such as cutting European funding and pursuing legal actions under EU treaties.
- Parts of EU funding for Hungary are already frozen over legal disputes, and the EU may increase pressure or withhold more funds if both countries maintain their current policies toward Russia.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Friedrich Merz Threatens Hungary and Slovakia
Hungary and Slovakia's policy towards Russia is increasingly irritating other EU member states. They have the power to veto or block sanctions against Russia. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated that he will no longer accept this practice.
German Chancellor Merz threatens to cut EU funding for Hungary and Slovakia
By Thomas Brooke | Remix News | May 27, 2025 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that the European Union could withhold even greater funds from Hungary and Slovakia if they refuse to adhere to the values imposed upon member states by Brussels. Speaking at the WDR Europaforum on Monday, Merz said, “Member states that violate the rule of law can face infringement procedures, and there is always the possibility of withdrawing European funds…
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