The European Union continues to explore the idea of stripping Hungary of its voting rights due to its hardline stance on Ukraine, reports the British newspaper The Guardian.
The issue is being considered “more seriously than ever,” though it is still in the early stages, according to the publication’s sources. However, they also believe this step will never be implemented, as revoking an EU member state’s voting rights requires a unanimous decision from the remaining 26 members.
In early April, the Financial Times reported that European officials were once again discussing the possibility of depriving Hungary of its voting rights due to Budapest’s stance, which could block joint EU decisions, including those targeting Russia.
In March, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán claimed that EU countries intended to offer Ukraine membership in exchange for continuing hostilities against Russia. Hungarian lawmakers estimated the potential costs of Ukraine’s integration at €2.5 trillion.
In February, Hungary vetoed the start of the first stage of Ukraine’s EU accession talks. Orbán believes that fast-tracking Ukraine’s membership could trigger an “endless war.” Hungary plans to hold a referendum on Ukraine’s EU admission.
