EU funds are not charitable donations, the Justice Minister stated on her Facebook account on Wednesday.

In her post, Varga Judit responded to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen’s state of the Union address. Ursula von der Leyen pointed out that EU funds must be protected against any kind of fraud, corruption or conflict of interest, she cited the German politician.

“Hungary agrees with this, we ourselves believe that this is non-negotiable. As is the July agreement of the leaders of Member States which laid down that EU funds cannot be used for exerting political pressure. European values are not for sale, and EU funds are not charitable donations,” Ms. Varga pointed out.

Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the Commission would publish its report extending to all Member States on the state of the rule of law, Ms. Varga wrote, highlighting in this regard that in the coming days she will present some interesting facts and comparisons regarding the rule of law. “Attuning to the report” this is how she would like to contribute to a genuine rule of law dialogue. She observed she looks forward to seeing whether the Commission’s report will be an unbiased analysis or a political pamphlet.

Ms. Varga also said she sincerely hopes that the Commission “will not seek to achieve its environmental goals by recycling accusations levelled earlier by Soros NGOs”.

(Ministry of Justice/MTI)