EU announces deal on its 1.8 trillion-euro budget and pandemic recovery package overcoming Hungary, Poland objections

BRUSSELS (AP) — EU Council President Charles Michel says European Union leaders have sealed an agreement on a massive long-term budget and coronavirus recovery package after overcoming objections from Hungary and Poland. After the deadlock was broken, Michel tweeted: “Now we can start with the implementation and build back our economies.” The 1.82 trillion-euro ($2.21 trillion) seven-year budget and recovery package is vital for virus-battered European economies. Hungary and Poland had threatened to veto it over a move to tie the use of EU funds to upholding the rule of law. Critics say the deal lets the two off the hook at a time when Europe is in crisis over the rule of law.