Good Intentions Meet Reality: The Dire Consequences of Spending EU Taxpayers’ Money in Hungary

The Clean Air Action Group (CAAG), a national federation of 121 Hungarian environmental NGOs, calls for action against the devastating effect of EU spending on Hungarian society, its economy and the environment. Inappropriate rules concerning the use of EU money, coupled with weak or non-existent enforcement of the EU acquis and national commitments, lead to the result that EU money in Hungary is reducing economic competitiveness of the country, increasing social inequalities and undermining democracy – acting thus against the EU targets. In order to improve the situation, CAAG proposes radical changes to EU spending. The European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission must show leadership on these important issues – all the more because this phenomenon can be observed to a greater or lesser extent in all recipient countries.