Key facts
- EU national capitals will be empowered to block payments from the bloc's €2 trillion budget.
- This power targets countries that do not comply with democratic standards.
- Compliance with judicial and media freedoms are key democratic norms cited.
National capitals within the European Union are set to acquire the authority to halt payments from the bloc's substantial €2 trillion budget. This new power will be directed at member states that are found to be non-compliant with fundamental democratic standards. Specifically, adherence to judicial independence and media freedoms will be critical benchmarks for receiving EU funding.