Foreign Affairs minister: linking EU funds with rule of law would be a “gross violation” of EU principles

Teodor Melescanu, Romania’s Foreign Affairs minister, said on Thursday that linking the allocation of EU funds to “other elements” would be a “gross violation” of the European Union’s principles.

The statement was made during a press conference held together with his Polish counterpart, Jacek Czaputowicz, where the two officials answered a question related to the messages sent by Brussels, suggesting that the allocation of EU funds could be influenced by changes made in the justice system of member states.

Melescanu said that the main objectives of EU principles and provisions are “solidarity and ensuring the convergence between the economies of member states”. He added that EU funds are not “a charity act”.