EU Commission proposes blocking billions in funds to HungaryBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s executive branch recommended Wednesday that billions of euros of EU funds allocated to Hungary remain frozen over its failure to implement solid rule-of-law reforms, a move highlighting the growing rift between the EU’s traditional Western democratic values and its partner’s democratic backsliding.The EU’s 27 nations have until Dec. 19 to take a decision based on the Commission’s proposal, which came as Hungary continues to block crucial EU decisions such as the disbursement of 18 billion euros of financial aid to Ukraine and a global tax deal.Torture allegations mount in aftermath of Kherson occupationUK royals travel to Boston with eye on environment prizeEU warns Musk to beef up Twitter controls ahead of new rulesIn Ukraine, seeing World Cup, playing soccer pose challengesThe EU’s executive branch proposed in September that the bloc suspend around 7.5 billion euros ($7.5 billion) in regular funding to Hungary over concerns about democratic backsliding and the possible mismanagement of EU money.Hungary agreed on 17 anti-corruption measures, including the creation of an anti-corruption task force and changes to its public procurement rules, but the Commission believes that “notwithstanding steps taken, there is still a continued risk to the EU budget/”The money can be frozen under a recently introduced conditionality mechanism that allows the EU to take measures to protect its budget.Didier Reynders, the European Commissioner for Justice, said the EU will be “very vigilant” in its scrutiny of the progress made by Hungary in putting in place the binding reforms, adding that a backpedaling on their acceptance would block any subsequent payments."