The decision came one day before an EU summit where leaders were set to discuss new aid to Ukraine and the opening of accession negotiations for Kyiv — moves that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was threatening to block.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s decision to unfreeze the funds was met with backlash from MEPs, who accused her of caving to Orbán’s blackmail.
“We believe we have a solid case, as the Commission has contradicted itself on whether Hungary is respecting the rule of law,” Greens MEP Daniel Freund told Playbook Monday night. “The Court of Justice of the EU has always stood up for the independence of the courts.”
The committee’s move — which is being backed by members of von der Leyen’s own European People’s Party — is designed as “a sign to the Commission president that the rule of law can’t be traded for deals with Orbán,” Freund said.
Political group leaders are set to meet Thursday to give the final green light to President Roberta Metsola to take the Commission to court before a March 25 deadline. Along with the leaders of the S&D, Greens, Left and liberals, EPP leader Manfred Weber will vote in favor of the move, officials told Playbook.
A spokesperson for the Commission said Tuesday morning that it is bound by “strict timelines and conditions” when taking these decisions. As Hungary had submitted “all evidence the Commission had required to show the independence of its judiciary,” it was “under a legal obligation to adopt this decision.”
“The Commission considers that it acted in full compliance with EU law and will defend its decision before the EU courts,” the spokesperson added.
This story has been updated.
