On May 27 in Brussels, the European Union Council will hold another meeting during which one of the most complex and contentious topics will be discussed — the possible deprivation of Hungary’s voting rights within the EU
This decision will be another step in a broader campaign aimed at responding to violations of the fundamental values upon which the European community is built, particularly in the context of internal political processes and external challenges such as the conflict with Russia. Sources report that on the agenda of the council is the discussion of the application of Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union — a mechanism that allows for the temporary suspension of a member state's voting rights in EU institutions if it persistently and systematically disregards the core values of the union. This means that, if violations are confirmed, such a drastic measure as restricting Hungary’s rights in the EU's internal decision-making processes could be officially implemented. At this EU General Affairs Council meeting, ministers will for the second time in recent years revisit the Hungarian situation within the framework of the ninth initiative to activate Article 7 against Budapest, which was initiated as early as September 2018 by the European Parliament. According to materials obtained by "European Pravda," the eighth hearing regarding the situation in Hungary is planned. This process forms part of a long-term monitoring of the country's situation, which continues to attract attention due to its internal reforms and foreign policy behavior. According to the European legal mechanism, Article 7 provides for the possibility of suspending several rights of a member state, including its voting rights, if it is established that the country systematically violates the EU's fundamental values — democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms. This is an extreme measure applied only when violations are persistent and systemic, serving as a warning signal to remedy the situation or to consider withdrawal from membership. In recent months, attention to Hungarian politics has increased significantly. Notably, after Brussels closed the case against Poland in May 2024, which was also under consideration under Article 7, Hungary remains the only EU member state ongoing with an official sanctions procedure. This fact underscores the seriousness and the trend of legal and political pressure on Budapest, amid reminders of the necessity to uphold shared values. According to information released beforehand, in April 2025, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna publicly emphasized that the process of depriving Hungary of its voting rights in Brussels is approaching its final stage, due to Hungary’s blockade of decisions related to Russia. This issue is continuously discussed within diplomatic circles, as the relevant mechanism is an important tool to ensure accountability for the adherence to common values. For more details on the application of Article 7 and the Hungarian situation, see the archived "European Pravda" article titled "Punishment for Hungary," which offers an in-depth analysis of the political and legal context of this process. It is important to remember that such steps are part of the EU’s broader efforts to improve the system of oversight over future compliance with shared values and to strengthen unity among member states amid challenges posed by internal reforms and external aggression. Thus, on May 27 in Brussels, we will have the opportunity to see how the EU institutions respond to the situation in Hungary and whether they will go further in applying the harshest sanctions, which could potentially shift the balance of power within the European community. This decision will have long-term implications for the policy of unity and the rule of law among the member countries of the European Union.