EU Council to discuss stripping Hungary of voting rights over rule of law concerns

The Council of the European Union is set to discuss the potential suspension of Hungary’s voting rights at a summit on May 27, according to the official meeting agenda. 

The move comes under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, which allows for such action if a member state is found to be seriously and persistently breaching the EU's core values, Caliber.Az reports.

This will mark the eighth hearing in the ongoing Article 7 procedure against Hungary, initiated by the European Parliament in September 2018. A decision to impose sanctions under Article 7 must be adopted unanimously by the other EU member states.

Concerns over Hungary’s adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law have persisted for years. In 2022, the European Commission froze €22 billion in funding to Hungary, citing issues with judicial independence and human rights. Tensions have further escalated over Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s close ties with Moscow and Budapest’s reluctance to support EU sanctions against Russia.

According to a March report by The Financial Times, Hungary’s recent hesitation to renew EU sanctions on Russia has revived debate among member states about enforcing Article 7. Sources told the FT that if Hungary blocks another sanctions package, pressure to revoke its voting rights could intensify.

Also on the Council’s May 27 agenda are country-specific rule of law discussions concerning Belgium, Finland, Slovakia, and Sweden. Additionally, ministers are expected to adopt a general approach to simplifying the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulation, part of the European Commission’s “Omnibus I” package.

The Council will also begin preparations for the European Council summit on June 26–27 by reviewing a draft agenda.

By Sabina Mammadli