By John Q. Hosedrinker European Parliament to Vote on Stripping Hungary of EU Voting Rights
Finally, some action is being taken against Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, and his incessant obstruction of progress within the European Union (EU). The European Parliament has agreed on a resolution that proposes stripping Hungary of its EU Council voting rights. As someone who has been following the situation closely, I can’t express enough how necessary and overdue this decision is.
The root cause of this resolution can be traced back to Orbán’s veto of the crucial €50 billion financial aid package for Ukraine. This move not only hindered the EU’s efforts to support Ukraine but also demonstrated Orbán’s willingness to use his power to further his own agenda, regardless of the repercussions for the rest of the EU.
The resolution at hand focuses on initiating procedures under Article 7.2 of the EU Treaty, which allows the Parliament to call on Hungary to answer before the European Council for its breaches of the rule of law. With a two-thirds majority approval, Hungary’s voting rights can be suspended. Additionally, the resolution calls for a parliamentary investigation into the legality of the European Commission’s decision to unfreeze €10 billion in funds for Hungary in December 2023.
However, the road to holding Hungary accountable within the EU is not free of obstacles. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has vowed to veto any decisions aimed at limiting Hungary’s rights in the Union. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the resolution and the possibility of Hungary continuing to obstruct progress.
Furthermore, this situation highlights the flaws in the EU’s voting system. The power of veto wielded by individual member states allows for malicious self-interest to prevail, hindering the Union’s ability to act swiftly and decisively. The unanimity requirement for decision-making is a dangerous precedent that can be exploited by member states like Hungary and Slovakia, undermining the unity and progress of the EU.
Despite these challenges, I stand firmly with those who support stripping Hungary of its EU voting rights. Orbán’s actions and his erosion of democratic values in Hungary are detrimental not only to his own country but to the entire Union. It is time for the EU to assert its authority and uphold the principles it was founded upon.
Some may argue that removing Hungary’s voting rights infringes upon the principles of democracy. While I understand these concerns, it must be noted that democracy does not mean that a country can act with impunity, disregarding the values and principles of the Union it is a part of. If a member state consistently undermines the rule of law and obstructs progress, then it is only right that consequences follow.
This resolution serves as a crucial moment for the EU. It is an opportunity to show that the Union will not tolerate the erosion of democratic values within its borders. It is a chance to address the flaws in the voting system and work towards a more unified and efficient decision-making process.
As an outsider looking in, I am fascinated by the dynamic between Hungary and Slovakia in this situation. The willingness of Slovakia to defend Hungary raises questions about the solidarity and unity of the EU. It is a reminder that the EU needs to address these divisions and strive for greater cohesion to effectively tackle the challenges it faces.
In conclusion, the European Parliament’s resolution to strip Hungary of its EU voting rights is a step in the right direction. Orbán’s obstructionist tactics have hindered progress for far too long, and it is time for accountability. The EU must use this opportunity to address the flaws in its voting system and work towards a stronger, more united Union. Only by holding member states accountable for their actions can the EU uphold its democratic values and continue to progress together.