Hungarian Government Threatens EU Values: MEPs Warn of Lawsuit If EC Allocates Funds to Orban
The European Parliament condemns deliberate, continuous, and systematic efforts by the Hungarian government to undermine the fundamental values of the Union, as stated on the official website of the European Parliament.
In a resolution adopted on Thursday with 345 votes in favour, 104 against, and 29 abstentions, MEPs express serious concerns about the ongoing erosion of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights in Hungary. This is particularly due to the recently adopted "national rights protection" legislative package on sovereignty, likened to the infamous Russian "foreign agent law."
The European Parliament also regrets the decision of the European Commission to release up to 10.2 billion euros to Hungary, previously frozen, even though Orban did not implement the proposed reforms regarding the independence of the judiciary, and the Commission recently extended the application of regulatory measures.
Additionally, MEPs condemn reports of systematic discriminatory practices regarding the allocation of funds to scientific circles, journalists, political parties, and civil society. They also express regret about the manipulation of state procurement procedures, public tender proposals by the government and organizations associated with the prime minister, and the use of EU funds to enrich political allies of the government.
In light of these issues, the European Parliament will consider whether to file a lawsuit to overturn the decision to partially unfreeze funds, noting that it may resort to a range of legal and political measures if the Commission fails in its guardian role and to protect the financial interests of the Union.
Given these concerns, the European Parliament doubts whether the Hungarian government can fulfil its duties in the second half of 2024, warning that if the position of the President of the European Council remains vacant, these responsibilities will fall on the Hungarian Prime Minister.
MEPs call on the Council to find appropriate solutions to mitigate this risk and urge reforms in the decision-making process of the Council to put an end to the abuse of veto power and Hungarian blackmail.
As previously reported by The Gaze, the European Parliament gathered the required 120 signatures under a petition to strip Hungary of its voting rights in the EU Council due to regular blackmail and sabotage of the work of the European institution. Orban has been blocking the approval of the EU's long-term budget and aid to Ukraine with his veto, despite the positive decision of all other 26 EU members.
Before that, Hungary resorted to another round of blackmail, setting new conditions for the EU to unlock 50 billion euros for Ukraine without fulfilling any of its obligations to the EU.