Will tougher EU sanctions lead to human rights turnaround in Hungary and Poland?

The EU’s tentative plans to withhold regional aid funds from the two countries if they fail to make changes on human rights is a high risk strategy, but may prove the only effective course, writes William Nattrass

Demonstrators hold banners reading (from L) “Rule of Law”, “Unconstitutional Court”, “No to Polexit” and “EU don’t Back Down” as they take part in a protest in August (AFP via Getty Images)

Backsliding on human rights and the rule of law in Hungary and Poland is causing concern throughout the EU, with tensions between national governments and Brussels even raising doubts over the countries’ continued membership of the bloc.

Now, the EU’s response to rebellious right-wing governments is stepping up a gear.

Brussels is examining ways to use economic sanctions in its fight against governments in Poland and Hungary alleged to be undermining human rights.