EP Initiatives to Suspensive Hungary of Vote

In the European Parliament, an initiative was launched to seek the responsible bodies of the European Union to suspend Hungary's right to vote, due to the country's late prime minister, Viktor Orban.

Riho Terras, representatives of the EP from the largest political group, the European People's Party, sent a letter to all European deputies, asking for their support.

The same will be sent by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

The Hungarian presidency has just begun, and Prime Minister Orban has already caused considerable damage, abusing the role of the Council Presidency. In his so-called peacekeeping mission, he has deliberately created the impression that he acts on behalf of the entire European Union, while, in reality, he has no authority to represent the EU or any other EU member state, except his own”, said in the letter he saw. Radio Free Europe.

This letter prompted the visits of Orban to Ukraine, Russia, and China in the early days of this month.

Orban also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, a move that was condemned by all key EU actors.

Hungary assumed the European Union's six-month presidency from 1 July.

According to the letter of European deputies, Orban is trying to undermine the EU's existing decisions, the decision-making process and EU unity on important issues.

This cannot be allowed to continue. It takes decisive steps to limit further damage”, says the letter.

What is the power of a letter from the European Parliament?

Procedures and voter rights suspensions are complex. They are responsible for member states.

Article 7 of the European Union Agreement, in which the letter is called, allows the possibility of suspending the right to membership in the European Union (as it is the right to vote in the Council of the European Union), if a country seriously and consistently violates the principles on which the EU is based.

The elements that would promote the implementation of this article include: respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and respect for fundamental rights, including the rights of minority members.

To implement Article 7, with the proposal of a third of the EU member states, or the European Parliament, or the European Commission, the Council ʹ acting with a majority of four-fifths of its members, after receiving the consent of the Parliament 50 could determine that there is a clear danger of serious violation of these fundamental principles by the member state and to issue the necessary recommendations.

Article 354 of the Treaty for Functioning the European Union envisions voting procedures that should be followed by key EU institutions, when a member state faces implementation of Article 7.

The country in question does not participate in the vote. It is not included in calculating a third of the countries required for the proposal, or in the four fifths required for a majority.

A two-thirds majority is required for the Parliament's approval.

European representatives have until 12 July to sign this letter, which will then be forwarded to the leaders of European institutions.