In the European Union, discussions are actively underway regarding potential changes to the voting procedure if Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s party wins the upcoming elections in Hungary. These issues are being considered to avoid blocking important decisions, particularly in the areas of sanctions and financial support.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Threat of Blocking and Alternative Scenarios
According to European diplomats, such reforms could minimize the influence of individual countries on the decision-making process. Viktor Orbán and representatives from Hungary have repeatedly blocked or delayed critically important votes in the EU. Recently, Budapest blocked sanctions against Russia and a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, justifying this by citing issues with oil supplies due to the damaged Druzhba pipeline.
Moreover, last week, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó acknowledged regular consultations with Moscow before and during EU meetings, explaining that “for Hungary, Russia is an important partner.”
“No one has the right to blackmail the European Council, no one has the right to blackmail European institutions. What Hungary is doing is categorically unacceptable,” said European Council President António Costa previously.
Possible Changes to the Voting System
Diplomats predict several scenarios for responding to the actions of the Hungarian government. Among them is the expanded use of qualified majority voting: to adopt a decision, 55% of the votes from countries representing 65% of the EU’s population are needed. However, unanimity is still required for foreign policy and budget matters, and such a reform may face resistance among member states.
Another option is the formation of coalitions on specific issues, as is already happening in the context of military aid to Ukraine. Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that this approach allows circumventing the unanimity requirement.
In cases of violations of the rule of law or general EU standards, suspension or denial of funding may also be possible. European Council President António Costa emphasized that “genuine cooperation” is required from member states.
Democracy Commissioner Michael McGrath stressed: “Respect for the rule of law is necessary to receive funding from the European Union”.
Another proposal is to strip the country of its voting rights. Article 7 of the EU provides for such a possibility in cases of fundamental violations of the Union’s values. Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis considers this an effective means of pressure, although such a decision requires unanimity from the other member states.
At the same time, most diplomats emphasize that the likelihood of Hungary being expelled from the EU is almost not considered. Parliamentary elections in Hungary are scheduled for April 12.