Europe (Washington Insider Magazine)—Some European Union lawmakers have intensified their calls to sanction Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban by advocating for steps that could strip Hungary of its voting rights within the EU. At least 120 of the European Parliament’s 705 members signed a letter addressed to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, urging more pressure on Budapest.
The lawmakers criticized Hungary’s continued disregard for the rule of law and its recent actions, particularly during the December EU Council meeting, where Orban blocked a budget review that included a 50 billion-euro ($55 billion) financial aid package for Ukraine, covering the years through 2027.
The letter pushed for initiating a process that could result in the suspension of Hungary’s voting rights in the EU Council, stating that such a measure is necessary to safeguard the values of the European Union.
Hungary’s Rule of Law Disputes with the EU
This latest call for action follows years of tensions between Hungary and the EU, with the bloc raising concerns about the independence of Hungarian courts, corruption, and the protection of minorities and civil liberties. Hungary’s actions have sparked repeated accusations of backsliding on EU democratic standards.
Article 7.2 TEU: A Potential Threat to Hungary’s Voting Rights
Finland’s MEP Petri Sarvamaa, the author of the letter, emphasized the urgency of addressing Orban’s policies. Sarvamaa noted the importance of triggering Article 7.2 of the Treaty on European Union, which could lead to the suspension of Hungary’s voting rights if found guilty of violating the EU’s core principles.
However, Hungarian MEP Balazs Hidveghi dismissed the letter, calling it yet another “attack” on Hungary by its critics. He referred to ongoing criticism from other EU member states as politically motivated and baseless.
Ongoing EU-Hungary Financial Dispute
The European Parliament plans to adopt a resolution regarding Hungary next week, spurred by dissatisfaction among MEPs with the European Commission’s decision in December to unfreeze billions in financial aid to Budapest. These funds had been suspended due to concerns about Hungary’s democratic integrity.
Despite the aid unfreezing, Orban continued to block critical EU decisions, including funding for Ukraine. Many MEPs argue that Hungary must address the rule of law concerns before resuming its role in critical EU decisions, particularly regarding Ukraine’s aid package.
Poland-Hungary Alliance Makes Sanctions Unlikely
Although suspending Hungary’s voting rights remains unlikely due to its close alliance with nationalist governments like Poland, the removal of Hungary’s voting rights would simplify the approval process for EU decisions, particularly those involving aid to Ukraine. Poland, a key ally of Hungary, has so far shielded Budapest from facing severe sanctions within the EU.
