EU Advocate General Calls for Annulment of Hungary Funds
Advocate General Tamara Ćapeta has advised the European Court of Justice to annul the European Commission's 2023 decision to release €10.2 billion in funds to Hungary, citing that the country did not meet all necessary milestones for the disbursement. The Commission had previously frozen these funds due to concerns over corruption and rule of law violations under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government. The opinion, which is not legally binding but often influences court rulings, comes ahead of Hungary's parliamentary elections and follows criticism from the European Parliament regarding the Commission's decision-making process.
Belgian Police Search European Commission Offices in Investigation
Belgian police conducted searches at European Commission offices in Brussels as part of an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) into the 2024 sale of 23 Commission buildings to the Belgian state, valued at approximately €900 million. The Commission stated it followed established procedures during the sale and expressed confidence in the compliance of the transaction. The investigation is focused on potential irregularities related to the deal, which aimed to reduce the Commission's office space by a quarter.
Macron and Merz Advocate Economic Reform at Summit
French President Emmanuel Macron and German politician Friedrich Merz presented a united front at a summit in Belgium, emphasizing the urgency of economic reform amid competition from the US and China. The leaders agreed on the need for a 'Buy European' policy to protect strategic sectors, although they differ on its scope, with Macron advocating for a limited approach while Merz supports a broader inclusion of countries with EU trade agreements. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for an Industrial Accelerator Act, aimed at boosting European content in key industries.
Von der Leyen proposes two-speed Europe for reforms
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, advocated for a two-speed Europe to expedite economic reforms during a meeting with EU leaders at Alden Biesen castle in Belgium. She emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation among member states to overcome political deadlocks, particularly in light of the EU's competitiveness challenges against the US and China. French President Emmanuel Macron set a June deadline for progress on reforms, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed support for a two-speed approach, acknowledging the urgency for change.
European Parliament approves regulations to boost farmers' bargaining power
The European Parliament has adopted stricter regulations to enhance farmers' and food producers' bargaining power in the food supply chain, passing the regulation with 555 votes in favor, none against, and 26 abstentions. The new rules, which aim to close loopholes in unfair trading practices, will take effect 18 months after the European Commission finalizes them, likely not before late 2027. This move comes amid rising grocery prices and ongoing investigations into pricing practices across the EU.
