EU Court may revoke billions in funds to Hungary over rule breaches, highlighting its role as the EU’s ultimate legal authority.
The European Court of Justice is urged to annul the decision to release €10.2 billion to Hungary, citing incomplete judicial reforms. The European Commission had frozen the funds over concerns about democratic backsliding and corruption, but a legal opinion suggests the release was premature. The case highlights ongoing tensions over rule of law in the EU.
The EU has announced it will provisional apply its trade agreement with Mercosur countries after ratification by Argentina and Uruguay, despite opposition from some EU states and pending European Parliament approval. The move aims to diversify trade amid global upheaval, with France strongly opposing the deal due to concerns over its farmers.
EU foreign ministers have requested discussion of suspending the 1995 EU‑Israel Association Agreement after Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have formally asked for the issue to be placed on the agenda. Member states remain divided: Germany and Italy are opposing suspension while France, Belgium and others are pushing targeted measures, and public pressure has surged following Israel's policies in Gaza, the West Bank and a new death‑penalty law.
The European Court of Justice has found Hungary's 2021 anti-LGBTQ+ law to be discriminatory and in breach of EU treaties. The ruling marks a significant legal challenge for Hungary's new government, which is expected to align its policies with EU standards. The decision emphasizes the EU's commitment to fundamental rights and pluralism.