By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Ongoing coalition negotiations between Germany’s CDU/CSU and SPD include a commitment to stronger EU action against rule-of-law violators like Hungary. This involves more consistent application of existing EU mechanisms, including sanctions and potential membership restrictions. The coalition aims to overcome Hungary’s frequent veto power by advocating for expanded qualified majority voting in the Council of the EU, particularly on foreign policy matters. This follows previous EU efforts to sanction Hungary, including blocking billions in EU funds over human rights concerns. The aim is to enforce the rule of law within the EU more effectively.
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The time has come to hold Viktor Orbán accountable for his actions, a sentiment gaining traction among Germany’s next government. The European Union simply cannot function effectively if a member state actively undermines its core values and exploits its systems.
This isn’t about punishing Hungary as a whole, but about addressing Orbán’s leadership. If Hungary genuinely wishes to remain within the EU and receive its funding, then it must adhere to the standards and principles expected of a member state. Failure to do so leaves the EU with two options: either Hungary chooses to leave or the EU must initiate expulsion proceedings.
Suspending Orbán’s voting rights within the EU is a necessary step in this process. This isn’t about enacting a harsh punishment without justification, but about ensuring the EU’s integrity. The continued financial support of Orbán’s regime, in the face of his anti-democratic actions, seems both illogical and deeply problematic. His actions amount to a betrayal of the ideals the EU represents.
Orbán’s authoritarian tendencies and close ties with figures like Vladimir Putin represent a direct threat to European stability. He’s manipulating the EU system for his own gain, hindering progress and jeopardizing the very foundation of the Union. Allowing this to continue sets a dangerous precedent, inviting further breaches of democratic norms. It’s high time the EU acted decisively against such behavior. The EU must deal with authoritarian leaders who utilize anti-democratic practices, and that includes figures like Orbán, Marine Le Pen, and others who seek to undermine democratic principles.
Delaying action only strengthens Orbán’s position and emboldens similar actors across Europe. The argument that such action will provoke conflict should not be a deterrent; the preservation of democratic values is paramount. While some may worry about the potential backlash from such a move, the potential damage from inaction far outweighs any short-term political discomfort. The EU must show that it is resolute in its commitment to uphold the principles it represents.
Concerns about the potential for election interference and aggressive responses from Orbán should not discourage the EU from taking firm action. While Orbán might resort to undemocratic tactics, the EU cannot allow itself to be intimidated. The longer this situation persists, the more damaging it becomes. The EU needs to revise its internal mechanisms to address such situations more effectively, particularly amending its treaties to allow faster decision-making regarding security threats.
The situation in Hungary mirrors similar challenges in other countries, with leaders like Alexander Lukashenko, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and potentially Donald Trump displaying autocratic tendencies. These leaders undermine democratic processes and often promote an anti-EU agenda. The EU needs a stronger, unified response to such individuals and their actions. This issue is not simply about Hungary; it’s about the very survival of the EU’s democratic principles.
Orbán’s use of the veto power to obstruct crucial decisions, such as further sanctions against Russia, for personal gain highlights the urgency of this situation. This strategy allows him to extract concessions while simultaneously hindering progress on crucial matters. This behavior cannot be tolerated. The EU’s strength lies in its collective ability to defend its values and enforce its rules. Holding Orbán accountable is crucial not just for Hungary, but for the entire European Union. It’s time to shift the balance of power and ensure that the EU’s principles prevail. The time for decisive action is now.