EU considers depriving Hungary of right to vote

The EU has been considering the possibility of applying the provisions of Article 7 of the Treaty on the European Union, which can make it possible to deprive Budapest of the right to vote due to the requirements put forward by Hungary in exchange for financial assistance to Ukraine.

Source: Financial Times with references to unnamed European officials

Details: So far, the European Union is trying to convince Viktor Orbán to abandon his demand to pay all funds intended for Hungary in exchange for €50 billion in financial aid to Ukraine.

Financial Times noted that many European countries are nervous about using the voting disenfranchisement mechanism against Hungary. It is, in fact, "EU's biggest weapon" against a member state.

However, Budapest is gradually losing allies in this matter.

Another EU member state may block the initiative to deprive Hungary of the right to vote. And in the recent past, Budapest could count on an ally in Warsaw. However, the shifts in the Polish government changed the state of affairs.

Meanwhile, the EU is still considering convincing Orbán to abandon his demand to pay frozen funds to Hungary in exchange for supporting financial aid to Ukraine as a priority plan. In particular, they are trying to convey to Orbán the aftermath of Budapest's isolation under such a scenario.

Financial Times stated that before the EU leaders' summit, Brussels even agreed to unfreeze €10 billion from €30 billion intended for Budapest. These funds were blocked due to the European Commission's claims regarding Hungary's judicial system, the rule of law and corruption.

However, after the summit, Orbán said he was ready to approve financing for Kyiv if Hungary received the remaining €20 billion.

"This is a great opportunity for Hungary to make it clear that it should get what it deserves," he emphasised.

Background:

• Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union allows the restriction of a member state's rights, in particular, the deprivation of the right to vote if the country "seriously and persistently" violates the principles on which the EU is founded and which are defined in Art. 2 of the Union Treaty (respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights, in particular for the rights of minorities).

• Application of Art. 7 can be initiated at the proposal of 1/3 of the EU member states or the European Commission and with the consent of the majority (2/3) of MEPs.

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