New EU budget ruling a ‘bullying push’ for ideological conformity

A new EU budget ruling could violate national sovereignty in an “undemocratic and divisive move”, according to Niamh Uí Bhriain of the Life Institute.

The EU recently reached an agreement that gives Brussels the green light to cut funding to EU member countries over issues such as human rights and the independence of the judiciary.

The deal was made following MEP’s demands that the €1.8 trillion budget and Covid-19 recovery package be linked to the rule of law.

Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Ms Uí Bhriain said that the deal threatens member states sovereignty and imposes a centralised ideology.

“We can see with rulings like this that the EU is increasingly encroaching on the sovereignty of states, particularly states with values or laws which go against the trend in the EU,” she said.

MEP

“It’s interesting that the MEP’s are openly saying that this is a mechanism to target Poland and Hungary,” she continued,” two countries which have come under fire from liberal MPs because they value protections for unborn children for example and to families.”

Ms Uí Bhriain fears that the deal will prove divisive, especially during a time of economic crisis.

“You’d have to ask yourself, we’re already looking at Brexit, we’re already looking at severe divisions in the EU and will this kind of bullying push others to want to leave the EU as well,” she said. “I think that’s going to cause a reaction and perhaps not one the European Union expects.”

Independent Senator Ronán Mullen echoed Ms Uí Bhriain’s concerns, saying the EU “must not trespass into areas that are for member states themselves, for example the detail of how they secure judicial independence”.

System

“Every country has its system of appointing judges and there needs to be evidence of an agreed objective standard being breached before EU countries collectively stand in judgment over another member,” Mr Mullen said.