The executive Commission wants the budget to increase to 1.1-1.2% of EU gross national income from 1% now. All were allies of Britain in pushing through a cut in EU funding the last time the seven-year budget was set. ConditionalityBut the Commission’s call for more money is likely to get a sympathetic ear in Germany, already the biggest net contributor to the EU budget and prepared to pay even more. The three biggest EU countries also want to link EU payments to poorer eastern European countries to their respecting the rule of law and European “solidarity” – diplomatic jargon for sharing the burden of accepting migrants. The richer EU countries are also worried that nationalist-minded governments in Poland, Hungary and Romania do not respect the rule of law and EU values, undermining the independence of the judiciary and fundamental rights.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 23, 2018 18:45 UTC