Belgium Urges EU to Punish Hungary Over Veto Rights
Belgium's Foreign Minister, Hadja Lahbib, has called for Hungary’s voting rights in the EU to be revoked to safeguard the union's stability. Scheduled to take over the EU Council's presidency in July, Hungary has been blocking key EU initiatives, including support for Ukraine against Russia. Lahbib suggests invoking Article 7, to suspend Hungary’s voting rights due to its alleged rule of law violations and obstructive behavior.
The Belgian Foreign Minister, Hadja Lahbib, has called for the European Union to strip Hungary of its voting rights to protect the union's future.
This comes as Hungary is set to assume the EU Council’s rotating presidency in July.
Belgium, currently holding the presidency, is among several countries frustrated by Hungary’s opposition to key EU initiatives, including support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Lahbib suggested invoking Article 7, often referred to as the 'nuclear option,' which suspends voting rights for member states violating EU values.
The European Parliament initiated Article 7 procedures against Hungary in 2018, accusing Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government of undermining the rule of law.
Despite efforts, the process stalled due to internal disagreements.
Hungary has consistently used its veto power to block trade restrictions on Russia and limit funding for Ukraine, which Lahbib criticizes as obstructive behavior.
She emphasized the need to fully activate Article 7 or reform it for the EU’s future stability.
Currently, Hungary is the only EU member facing such proceedings, while similar actions against Poland were dropped in May. Poland has shown alignment with Brussels on Ukraine issues since Donald Tusk, a pro-EU leader, returned to office in December.
This comes as Hungary is set to assume the EU Council’s rotating presidency in July.
Belgium, currently holding the presidency, is among several countries frustrated by Hungary’s opposition to key EU initiatives, including support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Lahbib suggested invoking Article 7, often referred to as the 'nuclear option,' which suspends voting rights for member states violating EU values.
The European Parliament initiated Article 7 procedures against Hungary in 2018, accusing Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government of undermining the rule of law.
Despite efforts, the process stalled due to internal disagreements.
Hungary has consistently used its veto power to block trade restrictions on Russia and limit funding for Ukraine, which Lahbib criticizes as obstructive behavior.
She emphasized the need to fully activate Article 7 or reform it for the EU’s future stability.
Currently, Hungary is the only EU member facing such proceedings, while similar actions against Poland were dropped in May. Poland has shown alignment with Brussels on Ukraine issues since Donald Tusk, a pro-EU leader, returned to office in December.
Translation:
Translated by AI
