Despite strong criticism, the EU Commission released frozen funding to Hungary. The European Parliament is now having this process examined legally. Ultimately there could be a case before the Court of Justice.
The European Parliament is investigating the controversial release of EU funding for Hungary and may want to take legal action against it. A resolution instructs Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee and legal service to review the release of funds as quickly as possible. If there are indications of violations of EU law, the case should be brought before the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
Despite recent reforms, Hungary does not meet European standards for the independence of its judiciary, it was said. A broad majority of MPs from the Conservatives, Social Democrats, Liberals, Greens and Left voted in favor of preparing a lawsuit before the ECJ.
Orban should lose voting rights
The MPs also called for the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to be deprived of his voting rights in the Council. This is “the only consistent answer” to stop Orban’s “eternal attempts at blackmail,” explained Parliament Vice President Katarina Barley (SPD). However, for a withdrawal of voting rights, all other EU members apart from Hungary would have to agree – as things stand, there is no such majority.
As long as court rulings in Hungary can be “changed overnight by decree,” there will continue to be “serious” concerns about the rule of law in the EU state, explained CSU MEP Monika Hohlmeier. In order to take action against the Commission’s decision, the European Parliament’s only option is to go to the ECJ.
In the event that the Commission releases further funds without the conditions for this being met, Parliament reserves the right to take further political and legal steps, according to the resolution that has now been passed. This could include, for example, a vote of no confidence, which if successful would require the Commission to resign. Such a step is already being called for by liberal politicians.
Accusation of blackmail against Hungary
The release of around ten billion euros for Hungary was explained by the EU Commission in December with judicial reforms by the government of Viktor Orban. However, EU MPs criticized the decision across party lines and accused EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of allowing herself to be blackmailed by Hungary.
Meanwhile, the EU Commission points out that other budget funds amounting to almost twelve billion euros as well as billions in Corona aid remain frozen. Their release is linked to further reform requirements against corruption and the preservation of the rule of law.
Hungary threatens further blockade
Orban had previously announced that he would block an EU aid package worth billions for Ukraine in the fight against Russia. Critics therefore suspected that the release of the funds was intended to persuade Orban to give up his veto.
Hungary’s government is raising doubts as to whether the EU can decide on the planned billion-dollar budget aid for Ukraine at the special summit on February 1st. “We are negotiating with the commission, but our positions are far apart, so an agreement is not certain,” said Gergely Gulyas, chief of staff to Prime Minister Viktor Orban. “A lack of agreement would not be a tragedy either, because in this case the 26 member states can support Ukraine,” he added. Hungary could also help Ukraine bilaterally.