European Parliament: Hungarian government threatens EU values and undermines its institutions

The European Parliament has condemned the Hungarian government’s deliberate, continuous, and systematic efforts to undermine the EU’s fundamental values.

As reported by the press service of the European Parliament, the resolution was adopted by 345 votes in favor, 104 against, and 29 abstentions.

MEPs expressed deep concern in the resolution regarding the further erosion of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights in Hungary. They specifically highlighted the recently adopted “national sovereignty protection” package, which is being compared to the notorious Russian “foreign agents law.”

The MEPs also condemn the actions of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who last December blocked an important decision to revise the EU’s long-term budget, including an aid package for Ukraine, “in total disrespect and violation of the EU’s strategic interests and the principle of sincere cooperation.”

The EU should not succumb to blackmail, they emphasize.

The Parliament urges the European Council to evaluate if Hungary has committed “serious and persistent violations of EU values” following the more direct procedure outlined in Article 7(2) of the EU Treaty.

The resolution deplores the European Commission’s decision to unblock up to EUR 10.2 billion of previously frozen funds, despite the fact that Hungary has not implemented the necessary reforms to ensure the independence of the judiciary.

In addition, MEPs condemn the Hungarian government’s systematic discriminatory practices against academia, journalists, political parties, and civil society in the distribution of funds.

The European Parliament also questions whether the Hungarian government will be able to fulfill its responsibilities in the second half of 2024, warning that if the position of President of the European Council is vacant, these responsibilities will fall to the Hungarian Prime Minister.

“MEPs ask the Council to find appropriate solutions to mitigate these risks and call for reform of the Council’s decision-making process to put an end to the abuse of the veto and blackmail,” the European Parliament said.

It is worth noting that EP resolutions are not binding.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said earlier that about 20 billion euros of EU funds for Hungary would remain frozen until Budapest fulfills all the necessary conditions.

Earlier, Finnish MEP Petri Sarvamaa proposed to apply a procedure against Hungary in accordance with Article 7(2) of the EU Treaty. It provides for the possibility of suspending certain rights, including voting rights in the EU Council, for a state that has repeatedly violated the values of the European Union.