The European Commission 's top economic official urged member states to get behind the bloc's 1.8-trillion-euro budget and coronavirus recovery plan Wednesday, after Hungary and Poland blocked approval. "I call on member states to show a strong sense of responsibility to their own citizens and to all Europeans at this crucial moment and to get this recovery plan over the line," Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said. EU Vice President for the economy Valdis Dombrovskis chimed in that "quick political agreement" was needed on the recovery package "so that it can provide a financial anchor through this storm". Hungary and Poland on Monday blocked adoption of the recovery plan and the 2021-2027 long term budget over a dispute over the rule of law. EU leaders thought they had resolved disputes over the seven-year EU budget and associated stimulus plan at a marathon four-day-and-night summit in July.

Source: Mint November 18, 2020 12:00 UTC