German compromise on releasing EU funds 'caves in to Viktor Orbán'
by Jennifer Rankin in Brussels from on (#58MW2)
Concerned MEPs say definition of rule of law narrowed to unblock Covid recovery money
Germany has been accused of caving into Viktor Orban over the control of EU funds, as German diplomats attempt to settle a row that threatens to hold up billions of coronavirus recovery funds.
European Union leaders had agreed a 1.8tn (1.63 tn) financial package, consisting of a 750bn coronavirus recovery fund and a 1.074tn budget for 2021-27, at an epic four-day summit in July but turning that into legal texts that command the support of the European parliament has led to further disputes.
Related: With its recovery deal, is the EU finally starting to act like a unifying force? | Shahin Valleee
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