On Monday 23 September, Sweden and Finland sent a joint letter to the European Commission in support of actions to promote respect for the rule of law in the European Union.
To achieve “a fully operational single market” and create “an environment conducive to investment”, the European Union needs “mutual trust”, say Sweden and Finland in their letter.
Sweden and Finland’s call comes at a time when the last mandate saw EU funds allocated to Hungary blocked because of a decline in the rule of law in that country, and when the question is currently being raised for Slovakia (see EUROPE 13478/16), where the independence of public radio and corruption cases involving EU funds have recently come under the spotlight.
“We greatly appreciate the work of the outgoing Commission”, concludes the letter, which welcomes the link established between respect for the rule of law and the allocation of funds via the national recovery and resilience plans. (Original version in French by Florent Servia)