EU to debate suspending Hungary’s voting rights on 27 May

EU General Affairs ministers will hold an eighth Article 7 hearing on Hungary on May 27, potentially leading to the suspension of Budapest’s voting rights in the Council of the European Union, according to the meeting agenda published on Thursday. 

Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union allows the bloc to strip a member state of certain rights, including its vote, if it persistently breaches the EU’s core values.

Hungary is now the only EU country facing the procedure after the case against Poland was closed in May 2024. Brussels accuses Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government of eroding judicial independence, media freedom and the rule of law, and of repeatedly blocking decisions on aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. 
The Kyiv Independent

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in April that the bloc was “approaching” the threshold for removing Hungary’s vote because of its vetoes on Russia-related issues. 
Хартия'97

Any suspension would require unanimous backing from the other 26 member states. Diplomats say several governments remain reluctant but support keeping pressure on Budapest, including withholding billions of euros in EU funds.