MEPs call for triggering of Article 7 regarding Hungary’s ‘serious breach’ of EU values

Members of the European Parliament on Wednesday called for the triggering of Article 7, a procedure which may result in sanctions for Hungary, as they see a serious deterioration of rule of law and democracy in the country.

MEPs say that Hungary’s current fundamental rights situation justifies launching the formal procedure to determine whether there is a “clear risk of a serious breach” of EU values by a Member State.

According to a press release, the resolution adopted by 393 votes to 221 with 64 abstentions by MEPs on Wednesday calls for the launching of Article 7(1), the Hungarian Government to repeal laws tightening rules against asylum-seekers and non-governmental organisations, and to reach an agreement with the US authorities, making it possible for Central European University to remain in Budapest as a free institution, and also for the European Commission to strictly monitor the use of EU funds by the Hungarian Government.

MEPs consider the recent developments in Hungary as a test for the EU to defend its founding values.

What is Article 7

Article 7 of the Treaty on the European Union provides a mechanism to enforce EU values. Under Article 7(1), the Council may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values by a Member State and is intended to prevent an actual breach by addressing specific recommendations to the Member State in question.

The article can be triggered by one-third of Member States, by Parliament or by the Commission. The Council has to adopt a decision by a four-fifths majority after having received Parliament’s consent which also requires a two-thirds majority of the votes cast and an absolute majority of MEPs.

The next phase is Article 7 (2), by which an actual breach of EU values can be determined by the Council on a proposal by a third of Member States or the Commission. The Council needs to decide by unanimity and the Parliament needs to give its consent.

Article 7 (3) launches sanctions, such as the suspension of voting rights in the Council.

Hungary’s PM Viktor Orban caused a stir in the European Parliament

Political group leaders and MEPs recently gave their views on Hungary’s new education law, perceived as targeting the Central European University, the tightening of rules for NGOs and asylum seekers and a government survey entitled “National Consultation – Let’s stop Brussels!”

While many MEPs took the view that the new education law is an attack on academic freedom and NGOs are being targeted to suppress critical voices, some defended the Hungarian government’s moves by arguing that civil society needs rules and member states have the right to regulate education.

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that accusations that his government wanted to close the CEU were false and portrayed the national consultation as a democratic tool. The law on NGOs follows a US example, he added.

“We would like to reform the EU, but Hungary is unquestionably committed to Europe,” Orban said.

During the debate, UK’s Nigel Farage said it’s maybe time for Hungary to ‘join the Brexit club,’ hinting at the country leaving the European Union.