Politico: Hungary’s EU status under threat in new action plan

The European Parliament (EP) has proposed that Hungary be stripped of its voting rights, according to a plan outlined by the pan-European Volt party.

The proposal also suggests appointing the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, as the EU’s Foreign Minister, Caliber.Az reports via Politico.

Members of the Volt party in the EP are set to present a nine-point action plan to the heads of EU states ahead of the upcoming EU leaders' summit on Ukraine, scheduled for March 6. The proposal calls for Hungary to be deprived of its voting rights in the bloc.

The document also urges the creation of a unified European Army and recommends solidifying the EU's powers in defence. As part of this initiative, the plan proposes granting Kaja Kallas full authority as the EU’s Foreign Minister.

The proposals come at a time of heightened tensions in the EU over Hungary's policies, especially in relation to its stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

To recap, Hungary’s continued obstruction of EU decisions, particularly regarding sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine, has sparked concerns over the union’s cohesion. Despite the EU’s political resolve to counter Russian aggression, Hungary, under Viktor Orbán, consistently blocks critical measures, leveraging its veto power to extract concessions. 

Budapest thwarted Ukraine’s EU accession talks in 2023, citing concerns over minority rights and corruption—despite Hungary's own controversial record. The EU’s response has been to appease Hungary, allowing Orbán to avoid repercussions, raising questions about the union's credibility.

Hungary's influence now extends beyond vetoing foreign policy decisions, with other nations like Slovakia aligning with Orbán's tactics. Critics warn that Hungary’s blackmail is weakening the EU’s ability to act decisively on critical geopolitical issues, potentially undermining the union's unity and effectiveness in the face of external threats.

The EU believes, it must confront Hungary's actions under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, which allows for sanctions against member states undermining EU values. 

By Aghakazim Guliyev