European Parliament members put pressure on commission over Hungary

The European Commission could be forced to resign if more EU funds are released to Hungary while the rebel member state is still resisting the rule of law, members of the European Parliament proposed on Tuesday.

The commission decided in December to release around €10 billion ($10.9 billion) in frozen EU funds to Hungary despite ongoing allegations of abuse of power and corruption in the country.

Brussels justified releasing the money by stating that Hungary had fulfilled certain necessary requirements. Other funds totalling almost €12 billion and billions more in coronavirus aid remain blocked.

A group of European lawmakers from across the political spectrum believes that if the EU commission releases further funds without the conditions being met, parliament would reserve the right to take further political and legal action.

This could include a vote of no confidence in the commission. If successful, it would require the commission including President Ursula von der Leyen to resign.

A resolution on the measures is to be voted on in Strasbourg on Thursday and although it has little chance of success, anger is growing across the chamber.

Von der Leyen, a veteran German conservative politician, has been accused of allowing herself to be blackmailed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who previously announced he would block an EU aid package for Ukraine if money was not forthcoming.

"This step by the European Parliament is the direct consequence of the dirty deal in December," Germany's Green MEP Daniel Freund said.

"If she simply distributes billions of euros to evade Hungary's vetoes, she won't get away with it."