EU showdown: Hungary faces loss of voting rights
Photo: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (facebook.com/orbanviktor)
Hungary risks losing key powers within the European Union over violations of the bloc’s core values, according to the press service of the EU Council.
The EU Council on General Affairs plans to hold a meeting on May 27 to consider the potential launch of Article 7 proceedings against Hungary over breaches of the bloc’s core values.
Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union outlines a mechanism to restrict a member state's rights, including suspending voting rights, in cases of serious violations of foundational principles.
According to the draft agenda, EU ministers will hold their eighth hearing on the situation in Hungary as part of a process initiated by the European Parliament back in September 2018.
The article allows for the suspension of certain rights of a member state if serious and systematic violations of the EU’s fundamental values are identified.
Hungary's stance on Ukraine
Throughout more than three years of full-scale war, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government has repeatedly opposed military aid to Ukraine and its NATO membership. Budapest has also been vocal against sanctions on Russia.
Currently, Hungary is using its veto power to block talks on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
Recently, Orban issued an ultimatum to Brussels, demanding that Ukraine’s membership bid be halted.
In response, a group of European Parliament members sent a letter to the European Commission, calling for EU funding to Hungary to be cut over its violations of EU values and laws.
