STRASBOURG, 25 April 2024 - An assessment of the European Commission's approach to the deteriorating rule of law in Hungary was the subject of a resolution adopted by MEPs on Wednesday afternoon. According to Pirate MEP Mikulas Peksa, the Commission has fallen behind in its role as a defender of democratic values and is instead accommodating Viktor Orbán's government. The MEP said the Commission should take an uncompromising stance towards Hungary and use all possible instruments to protect the budget and democracy in Europe.
"While today's resolution may sound overly critical of the Commission, the truth is that it is unfortunately appropriate. We have been warning about the Viktor Orbán government's escalating attacks on the rule of law, media freedom, the independent press, human rights and democratic values for many years. What response have we received so far? The Commission has caved in to Orbán's blackmail, released billions of euros of frozen funds to his corrupt government and, instead of enforcing democratic values, is simplifying an already tragic situation in a country that we in the European Parliament have rightly refused to call a functioning democracy," explains Pirate MEP Mikuláš Peksa.
It is the unjustified release of €10.2 billion from the initially frozen funds that raises concerns among MEPs about whether the Commission has reneged on its promises to defend a united and democratic Europe. "President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen promises annually that the protection of the rule of law remains its priority. Instead, we see it backing itself into a corner at the first possible opportunity and recognising Hungary's even completely fictitious judicial reforms, even though the country has instead passed a law to suppress the opposition," warns Peksa.
A big issue in the resolution is the stalled Article 7 hearing with Hungary. "It's a very important part of the EU's negotiations, which in extreme cases would deprive Hungary of its voting rights in the EU Council."For a long time, Hungary had its back against Poland, which faced similar problems. The hearing could not go ahead as unanimous consent was needed. However, Poland is no longer willing to back the Orbán regime, so it is time to revive the negotiations. At the same time, we should learn our lessons and avoid a similar stalemate in the future. All we need to do is to replace unanimity in the Council with qualified majority voting." adds MEP Peksa.
Last but not least, MEPs warn about the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council. This is due to take place in just 2 months. "In Hungary, Viktor Orbán's government has, over the past two years, dug itself in as the black sheep of Europe, able to endure much if it benefits its allies in the Kremlin. If such a country holds the Presidency of the EU Council, it does not bode well. We have suggested many times to the Commission and the Council ways of preventing this. Unfortunately, they have gone unheeded. We are needlessly handing over power over the whole of Europe to Putin through his puppets, and we will regret it," Peksa concludes.
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