Denmark calls to strip Hungary of EU voting rights over Ukraine blockade
Denmark's Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre (Getty Images)
Denmark will demand the activation of Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union against Hungary, which could lead to the suspension of the country's voting rights. Copenhagen believes that Hungary is violating the EU's core values, including by blocking Ukraine's accession, said Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre during a briefing in the Danish city of Aarhus, according to Politico.
In the presence of European Commission representatives, Bjerre stated that Hungary is violating the EU's core values. A country that behaves this way should not have the right to vote on decisions, and therefore Denmark intends to take appropriate measures.
"We are still seeing a violation on fundamental values. That is why we will continue the Article 7 procedure and the hearing on Hungary," she affirmed.
Bjerre added that, in addition to suspending Hungary's voting rights, Denmark wants to raise the issue of restricting Budapest's access to EU funds. A country that violates the rules should not receive financial benefits from the bloc.
The minister also criticized Hungary's blocking of Ukraine's EU accession, which Budapest openly boasts about. Bjerre hinted that Denmark is prepared to use all available political and other means to advance negotiations with Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Stockholm does not support the idea of starting negotiations with Moldova separately from Ukraine and favors opening the negotiation cluster with both countries simultaneously.
The political nuclear option
Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union allows the bloc to sanction a member state for violating the fundamental values on which the Union is based, such as the rule of law, democratic principles, and human rights.
Article 7 is considered the European Commission's last resort in dealing with member states that breach these principles. For this reason, it is informally referred to as the EU's political nuclear option.
Brussels has repeatedly accused Hungary of violating EU laws, but the procedure to suspend Budapest's voting rights has never been brought to completion. However, if Article 7 is activated, Hungary could lose its right to vote in the EU — meaning it would no longer be able to influence decisions on enlargement, sanctions, or other key matters.
Hungary blocks start of accession talks with Ukraine
At the EU summit in Brussels on June 26, 26 member states expressed their willingness to continue providing financial support to Ukraine on a long-term basis. The decision was blocked solely by Hungary, effectively halting the launch of the first cluster of accession negotiations between Ukraine and the EU.
Despite Budapest's position, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv expects a clear signal from EU countries regarding Ukraine's future membership in the bloc. The European Commission and several other EU institutions have also voiced support for beginning negotiations with Ukraine, indicating they are not willing to let Hungary's opposition stand in the way.
