Eurotopics.net

The EU Commission has concluded that Hungary is not doing enough to fight corruption and therefore wants to freeze up to 7.5 billion euros in funding earmarked for Budapest. A recommendation to this effect could be put forward on Wednesday. The EU finance ministers would then have one week to reach a decision on the issue. For most commentators the step is long overdue.

The Foreign Minister of Belarus, Vladimir Makei died "a sudden death" on Saturday, according to the state news agency Belta. Makei had been in office under Lukashenka since 2012. Europe's press examines the potential political fallout and, given the unclear circumstances of his death, the question of whom it might benefit.

At the next meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council on 8 December, a vote will be taken on whether Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania should be admitted to the Schengen Area from 2023. Schengen enlargement requires a unanimous decision. However, due to concerns about migration policy and the fight against corruption, some EU member states have voiced reservations about admitting Bulgaria and Romania.