According to him, the EU can organize “explanatory proceedings” towards the Member States violating the norms adopted by the EU. – It is always possible to receive European funds. If necessary, we will do it – said Merz during the WDR EuropaForum conference on Monday.
As Bloomberg notes, Slovakia is increasing EU dissatisfaction. The point is that Robert Fico's government has accepted confrontational rhetoric towards the Union and speaks anti -excituance. The Prime Minister of Slovakia also became the object of criticism because of a visit to Moscow on May 9, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Slovak politician has also repeatedly spoke against the tightening of sanctions against Russia. In addition, tension is caused by the Fico rapprochement to the Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban. The EU has already deprived Hungary of a significant part of financing in connection with the exacerbation of the provisions violating the “rule of law”.
– We will not avoid conflict with Hungary and Slovakia if we continue the current course. We cannot allow the decisions of the entire EU depend on a small minority Merz said.
The EU budget, from which Member States are financed, consists of direct contributions, duties and certain types of taxes. Germany is a key country of the Union in terms of contributions (the contribution to the EU budget depends on the size of GDP).
German statement about the suspension of European financing of Slovakia is “completely unacceptable” – Fico wrote on Facebook, reacting to Merz's warning.” Is we threatened with punishment if we do not comply with the recommendation? This is not a way to unity and cooperation. I hope that we will be able to explain it, because this style of communication is unproductive, “he said.
