Yesterday, the ECJ dismissed the actions brought forward by the governments in Poland and Hungary against the EU’s rule of law mechanism. This allows the EU Commission to withhold funds for member states if democratic rights and freedoms are violated. But there is no question of Brussels taking swift action: it could take „weeks“ before action is taken against the violations, it said. Numerous politicians criticize the slow pace and speak of a „stalling tactic“. But Eric Bonse has learned that there are good reasons for proceeding cautiously.