In connection with Hungary’s veto on the allocation of funds for Ukraine and the demands put forward, in EU seriously thought about the possibility of applying the provisions of Art. 7 of the Treaty on European Union*, which could allow Budapest to be deprived of its voting rights.
About it tells Financial Times, citing European officials. At this stage, the EU is still trying to convince Orban to abandon his demand to pay all funds intended for Hungary in exchange for financial assistance to Ukraine in the amount of 50 billion euros. They are trying to convey to him the consequences of isolating Budapest in such a scenario.
Some countries are nervous about using the vote-deprivation mechanism against Hungary, which is the EU’s “most powerful weapon” against a member state. But gradually, the publication notes, Budapest is losing allies. The initiative to strip Hungary of its voting rights could be blocked by another member state. And more recently, Budapest could count on support from Warsaw. However, the change of government in Poland changed the situation.
As the Financial Times recalls, before the summit of EU leaders, Brussels even agreed to unfreeze 10 of the 30 billion euros intended for Budapest. These funds were blocked due to the European Commission’s complaints about the judicial system, the rule of law and corruption in Hungary. But Orban indicated he was prepared to approve funding for Kyiv if Hungary received the remaining €20 billion, saying: “This is a great opportunity for Hungary to make it clear that it should get what it deserves.”
Meanwhile, Charles Michel press conferences On December 18, he announced the date for the next EU summit, explaining that European leaders needed a little more time to convince Hungary. The EU authorities are planning a meeting on February 1, 2024, at the summit the issues of the EU’s long-term budget and the allocation of aid to Ukraine will be discussed.
As you know, last week Hungary vetoed for a “mega package” that included aid to Ukraine, expenses for migration programs, funding for the EU Solidarity Fund and Defense.
*Art. 7 of the Treaty on European Union allows for restrictions on the rights of a member state, including deprivation of voting rights, if the country “seriously and persistently” violates the principles on which the EU is founded and which are defined in Art. 2 Union Treaty (respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights, including 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 a majority (2/3) of members of the European Parliament.
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