Slovakia may lose its voting rights in EU Council due to new constitutional changes
Photo: The EU wants to strip Slovakia of its voting rights due to constitutional changes (Getty Images)
The Dutch government is considering launching a disciplinary procedure against Slovakia under Article 7 of the EU Treaty due to the country’s controversial constitutional changes, VSquare reports.
Article 7 is one of the EU's toughest mechanisms for responding to member states that violate fundamental principles. A country found in breach may face sanctions, including the suspension of its voting rights in the EU Council.
On October 16, the Dutch parliament adopted a resolution urging the government to respond to Slovakia’s actions, which lawmakers say restrict LGBT+ rights in violation of European law.
The outlet writes that the Dutch government is now informally assessing whether other European countries would support the initiative. The Hague hopes the European Commission will take the first step by launching infringement proceedings before the EU Court of Justice.
In September, the Slovak parliament approved constitutional amendments defining only two genders — male and female. The rules for adoption were also changed.
Earlier, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said his country would not take part in EU initiatives aimed at providing military support to Ukraine.
According to him, Slovakia should focus on protecting its own interests and maintaining economic stability. Fico noted that participation in such initiatives contradicts the new government’s policy, which prioritizes domestic issues.
The Slovak Prime Minister also called the EU’s decision to transfer 140 billion euros from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine a big mistake.
