European Parliament questions ‘credibility’ of running Hungary’s EU presidency

The non-binding draft has the support of five political groups —European People’s Party, Social Democrats, Liberals, Greens and European Left– From camera. The resolution threatens to provoke another provocation The division between Brussels and Budapest and delve deeper into their conflict over the years, one year later. next european elections It will be held between 6 and 9 June, just three weeks before Hungary should take over the reins of the bi-annual European presidency.

This is a position that has eroded since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009 and the election of the permanent president of the Council of Europe. Despite this, it continues to play a “key” role as it has the responsibility for six months to set the European agenda, prioritizing some discussions over others, and negotiating inter-agency agreements on behalf of the remaining European governments. . A role that forces you to act like something “neutral agent”.

This question has never been asked or never a member state removed from this liability. HE steady, consistent heart rate Orban’s argument with the European institutions prompted the big families of the European Parliament to implicitly bring this proposal to the fore. “The whole discussion seems rather strange, given that the European Parliament does not have the power to revoke an incoming Council presidency,” he said. Per NguyenAnalyst at think tank Jacques Delors.

systematic deterioration

MEPs condemn the Hungarian government’s “deliberate and systematic efforts” to undermine the EU’s founding values, as well as the EU’s founding values. anti-European communication campaigns and they express their “deep concern” over the “deterioration of the situation of the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary” since September last year. He also criticizes the “repeated and abusive” calls. “danger situation” abuse of whistleblower protection LGBTQ+ rights And Freedom of expressionrestrictions on the status of teachers and violation of their social and labor rights, as well as discriminatory practices in different fields.

The draft resolution also blames the Council—the body that represents governments—for failing to make “significant progress”. article 7 procedureHE nuclear button which allows for the imposition of sanctions for violating the rights and values ​​of the EU by a Member State and may result in the forfeiture of voting rights in the Council. Members of the European Parliament first activated this procedure in 2018, but so far no results have been forthcoming, so they are urging the Council to consider their recommendations.

“Further delay in such action would constitute a violation by the Council of the rule of law, with protracted and potentially damaging consequences,” the draft states. Presidency of the Council when it comes to supporting European legislation, ensuring the continuity of the agenda and representing the Council in relations with other EU institutions. “How will Hungary be able to fulfill this task reliably in 2024?Is it because it does not comply with EU legislation and the values ​​enshrined in Article 2 of the EU Treaty and the principle of faithful cooperation? “possible” because otherwise “Parliament can take appropriate measures”.

Budapest warned

As might be expected, the motion was met with utter coldness in Budapest. “Their justification is the same outdated accusation that Hungary is violating the EU’s fundamental principles and therefore cannot hold the rotating presidency. But we know the real reason: they don’t like Hungary’s pacifist position and are trying to bring us into the conflict.” Zoltan Kovacstakes the initiative of the European Parliament to Russia’s battlefield in Ukraine. “Hungary is a full member of the EU. Kovacs was currently holding the rotating presidency of the Council of Europe and will do so again in 2024. “We will not allow such an opportunity to be taken from Hungary,” said the Minister of Justice. Judith Varga.

“Although not explicitly foreseen, the possibility of postponing Hungary’s Presidency of the Council of the Union may be one of the most effective approaches for Hungary to fulfill its obligations in terms of the rule of law,” says the professor. European law, alberto germanthis too Spain And BelgiumSharing the tripartite presidency with Hungary, it assumes responsibility for the rule of law and Article 7 suspension debates; Denmark appointed in 2012 Cyprus debate on Defense, given that at that time the country did not participate in this European policy of its own choosing.

“We do not comment on unaccepted decisions. The list of countries that will chair the EU is the Council’s exclusive competence and it is not the responsibility of the European Commission to decide on that decision,” presidential spokesman Eric Mamer said on Friday. Ursula von der Leyenavoiding discussion. “We work constructively and professionally with each Council presidency. The Presidency’s task is to focus on European interests, to act as a mediator in Council discussions. That’s all I can say,” he added. The resolution also “expresses its displeasure at the fact that Parliament often has to learn from the press or other sources what the Commission has proposed or accepted to accept from the Hungarian authorities”, and that Brussels should report quickly and regularly on any developments. waiting for him to give.