Media mentions – EU instruments
Borisow’s party Gerb is criticised in Brussels, even if he tries not to cause problems like Orban or Kaczynski so that people leave him alone
Whether Kaczynski gets his act together again will probably depend on whether he succeeds on the other playing field: the conflict over the rule of law with the EU
Germany’s role is key. It is up to Berlin to put this issue on the agenda of the EU Council and ensure that a decision is taken in the Autumn, before the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 starts.
The grant part of the recovery fund is lower than the Commission’s original proposal. The multiannual budget (MFF) is fairly close, but overall, there have been significant cuts in some key areas such as health and climate projects.
For example, in Bulgaria 22% of respondents have a worse impression of China, while in Italy it is 33%, but in general, the proportion of people holding this view is between 40% and 62%
(These are) very unclear (summit) conclusions, both politically and legally. If there is a lack of this conditionality or the … mechanism is very weak, then it will be a huge win for Kaczynski, Morawiecki and Orban.
My suspicion is we will end up with a deal which provides minimal legal cover for shipping goods in either direction without quotas but with the British side not actually ready to implement any new system of vetting goods for regulatory requirements
There is an opportunity, after the crisis-ridden first half of 2020, to answer Europeans’ call for leadership. The question, is whether European leaders will grasp it.