Rule of Law Archives - Investigate Europe

15 December 2022 Secrets of the council

Explainer: Europe cuts off funds for Hungary – what is at stake?

By Sigrid Melchior

In a deal struck on Monday evening, EU governments finally decided to freeze €6.3 billion to Hungary due to concerns over rule of law problems and corruption. Read more "Explainer: Europe cuts off funds for Hungary – what is at stake?"

14 December 2022 Secrets of the council

Viktor Orbán blinks first as EU moves to block €6bn going to Hungary

By Sigrid Melchior and Attila Kálmán

There is now a tool and a blueprint for EU countries to deal with one of their own sliding into authoritarianism. But will it work? Read more "Viktor Orbán blinks first as EU moves to block €6bn going to Hungary"

5 October 2022 Secrets of the council

Biting inhibition against the autocrats in Hungary and Poland

By Harald Schumann

EU Commission inaction on the rule of law is leaving Europe's judiciary increasingly exposed to oppressive domestic powers. Read more "Biting inhibition against the autocrats in Hungary and Poland"

Open to refugees, open to the EU: The week that turned the tables in Poland

By Wojciech Cieśla

The Russian assault on Ukraine has allowed the Polish government to present itself as a pro-EU state, even as it remains an illiberal regime. Read more "Open to refugees, open to the EU: The week that turned the tables in Poland"

The Orbán split: siding with both, simultaneously

By Attila Kálmán

For three terms, the Hungarian prime minister has fought with Brussels and moved closer to Moscow. Then came the Russian invasion of Ukraine — a painful reality check. But it seems that Orbán still does not want to fall out of Putin's good graces. Read more "The Orbán split: siding with both, simultaneously"