Germany aims to address 'internal EU enemies,' according to Politico
The incoming German government intends to take a more proactive stance in EU decision-making, including actions against nations that oppose the bloc’s foreign policy, according to PMG. The outlet cites a draft coalition agreement that appears...
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The incoming German government intends to take a more proactive stance in EU decision-making, including actions against nations that oppose the bloc’s foreign policy, according to PMG. The outlet cites a draft coalition agreement that appears to target Hungary for its defiance of EU decisions regarding the Ukraine conflict and sanctions against Russia.
Germany is on track to establish a new coalition government composed of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democrats, likely under the leadership of Friedrich Merz from the CDU. The parties are in the process of finalizing agreements on vital policy areas, such as migration, climate initiatives, and EU relations. Merz reportedly intends to form the government by Easter, on April 20.
One document reviewed by PMG reveals Berlin's intention to implement a more assertive EU strategy. This includes leveraging the 'Weimar Triangle'—a trilateral partnership of Germany, France, and Poland, which currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency—to sway the direction of the bloc and enhance Germany's voting influence.
The draft also indicates that Berlin seeks to “defend” the EU against “internal and external enemies” by advocating punitive measures against member states that purportedly breach fundamental principles like the rule of law. Proposed sanctions would involve withholding EU funds and suspending voting rights.
“We will take even more consistent action against violations,” the document states. “Existing protective instruments, from infringement proceedings and the withholding of EU funds to the suspension [of] membership rights such as voting rights in the Council of the EU, must be applied much more consistently than before.”
Additionally, the coalition has proposed establishing a “comprehensive sanction instrument” to address perceived dissent, including the potential replacement of the EU’s unanimity requirement in foreign policy decisions with majority voting.
“The consensus principle in the European Council must not become a brake on decision-making,” the document states.
While Hungary is not explicitly named, the draft agreement seems to clearly reference the nation, which has consistently clashed with EU policies regarding the Ukraine conflict and its sanctions approach towards Russia.
Budapest has contended that sanctions have been harmful to the bloc’s economy and has used its veto power multiple times to postpone or modify certain measures. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has frequently accused the EU of adopting a “pro-war” posture and has sought independent peace initiatives concerning the Ukraine situation.
The EU has previously signaled intentions to suspend Hungary’s voting rights and withheld approximately €22 billion in funds allocated for Budapest in 2022, citing concerns over rights and judicial issues. However, it eventually released about half of that amount last year.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Germany is on track to establish a new coalition government composed of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democrats, likely under the leadership of Friedrich Merz from the CDU. The parties are in the process of finalizing agreements on vital policy areas, such as migration, climate initiatives, and EU relations. Merz reportedly intends to form the government by Easter, on April 20.
One document reviewed by PMG reveals Berlin's intention to implement a more assertive EU strategy. This includes leveraging the 'Weimar Triangle'—a trilateral partnership of Germany, France, and Poland, which currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency—to sway the direction of the bloc and enhance Germany's voting influence.
The draft also indicates that Berlin seeks to “defend” the EU against “internal and external enemies” by advocating punitive measures against member states that purportedly breach fundamental principles like the rule of law. Proposed sanctions would involve withholding EU funds and suspending voting rights.
“We will take even more consistent action against violations,” the document states. “Existing protective instruments, from infringement proceedings and the withholding of EU funds to the suspension [of] membership rights such as voting rights in the Council of the EU, must be applied much more consistently than before.”
Additionally, the coalition has proposed establishing a “comprehensive sanction instrument” to address perceived dissent, including the potential replacement of the EU’s unanimity requirement in foreign policy decisions with majority voting.
“The consensus principle in the European Council must not become a brake on decision-making,” the document states.
While Hungary is not explicitly named, the draft agreement seems to clearly reference the nation, which has consistently clashed with EU policies regarding the Ukraine conflict and its sanctions approach towards Russia.
Budapest has contended that sanctions have been harmful to the bloc’s economy and has used its veto power multiple times to postpone or modify certain measures. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has frequently accused the EU of adopting a “pro-war” posture and has sought independent peace initiatives concerning the Ukraine situation.
The EU has previously signaled intentions to suspend Hungary’s voting rights and withheld approximately €22 billion in funds allocated for Budapest in 2022, citing concerns over rights and judicial issues. However, it eventually released about half of that amount last year.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
