Thursday, October 16, 2025

Latest

MEP Moves to Remove Hungary’s Ability to Vote in the EU Council

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is facing renewed pressure from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) seeking to thwart his upcoming EU presidency. 

Finnish MEP Petri Sarvamaa, representing the center-right EPP group, initiated the move by proposing the removal of Orbán’s voting rights in the EU Council, citing a “serious and persistent breach of EU values.” Sarvamaa referred to Hungary’s criticism for eroding the rule of law and Orbán’s disruption of the EU summit in December by vetoing EU funding for Ukraine to secure funds for Hungary.

This marks a second attempt, with the EU Parliament and European Commission previously pursuing a similar exclusion procedure in 2018 under Article 7(1) of the EU treaty. Sarvamaa, however, believes the current effort, invoking the less stringent Article 7(2), stands a better chance of success. The procedure allows the Council to acknowledge a breach of values, potentially leading to the suspension of certain membership rights.

In June, MEPs passed a non-binding resolution to suspend Orbán’s upcoming EU Council presidency starting in July. Sarvamaa expressed confidence that widespread support across party lines could lead to swift action by the European Parliament.

The move gains significance as EU Council Chairman Charles Michel steps down early to run as an MEP, potentially allowing Orbán to assume his duties until a replacement is appointed. Critics, including Hungarian opposition figures and some EU diplomats, view Orbán’s presidency as a “grave danger” and question the effectiveness of sanctions.

Despite these concerns, skeptics within the EU Council doubt the feasibility of the proposal, emphasizing the lack of support and potential risks to the structure of the rotating EU presidency. 

Some diplomats who spoke to the publication EU Observer on the condition of anonymity argue that Hungary’s presidency, occurring during a transitional period after the EU elections, would have limited impact, deeming it a “lame-duck presidency” with minimal policy influence.


Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

When 4% of Global Copper Disappears Overnight | David Gower – Emerita Resources

Mining M&A: Gold X2 Acquires Kesselrun Resources

They Said Oil Was Dead. They Were Wrong. | Michael Judson – Record Resources

Recommended

Military Seizes Power in Madagascar After President Flees

Altamira Gold Hits 395.5 Metres Of 0.4 g/t Gold At Maria Bonita

Related News

New UK PM Rishi Sunak Looks To Settle Outstanding Issues Over Northern Island And The EU

Britain’s newly installed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke with US President Joe Biden on the...

Thursday, October 27, 2022, 12:04:00 PM

Poland’s Foreign Minister: Time to Ditch the Euro?

It appears that some EU member countries are calling the bluff on the euro, arguing...

Tuesday, August 23, 2022, 04:16:00 PM

Is Hungary Going to Leave the EU?

Hungary may soon be joining the UK on the sidelines outside of the EU, as...

Thursday, July 27, 2023, 03:43:00 PM

EU Leaders Finally Agree on $858 Billion Bailout, $1.3 Trillion Budget to Rebuild Coronavirus-Stricken European Economy

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the European Union has been dealing with a...

Wednesday, July 22, 2020, 06:54:00 PM

Parliament Chief Confirms European Demand for Canadian Energy Exports

The European Union’s top parliamentary official confirmed Sunday that European nations stand ready to import...

Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 11:32:00 AM