In recent years, the European Union has been facing a political crisis as some member states have been accused of violating the EU’s core values and principles. One of the countries at the center of this controversy is Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The country has been criticized for its anti-immigration policies, attacks on the media and judiciary, and erosion of democratic norms.
In response to these concerns, six EU countries – Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland – have been blocking Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, which rotates among member states every six months. This means that Hungary, which was scheduled to take over the presidency in the second half of 2021, will not be able to do so unless the issues raised by these countries are addressed.
And now, Denmark has joined the group of countries blocking Hungary’s presidency. The Danish government announced its decision to join the other six countries in a joint statement, stating that they have «serious concerns about the state of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights in Hungary.» The statement also called for concrete actions to address these concerns before Hungary can assume the presidency.
This move by Denmark is significant as it adds to the growing pressure on Hungary to address the issues raised by its fellow EU members. It also shows the unity and solidarity among these countries in upholding the EU’s values and principles. The decision to block Hungary’s presidency is not taken lightly, as it requires a unanimous vote from all EU member states. This shows the seriousness of the concerns raised by these countries.
The concerns about Hungary’s democratic backsliding are not new. The country has been under scrutiny for years, with the European Parliament launching Article 7 proceedings against Hungary in 2018. This process could ultimately lead to the suspension of Hungary’s voting rights in the EU if the concerns are not addressed. However, the Hungarian government has dismissed these concerns as politically motivated and has refused to make any significant changes.
The decision by Denmark to join the other six countries in blocking Hungary’s presidency is a clear message to the Hungarian government that the EU will not tolerate the erosion of democratic values and principles. It also sends a message to other member states that the EU is committed to upholding its core values and will take action when necessary.
The joint statement by the seven countries also highlights the importance of the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. The presidency plays a crucial role in setting the EU’s agenda and coordinating the work of the EU institutions. It is essential that the country holding the presidency upholds the EU’s values and principles, as it represents the entire EU on the global stage.
The decision by Denmark to join the other six countries in blocking Hungary’s presidency has been welcomed by many EU officials and politicians. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that «the EU is a community of values, and these values must be upheld by all member states.» She also called on Hungary to address the concerns raised by its fellow EU members.
In conclusion, the decision by Denmark to join the other six countries in blocking Hungary’s presidency is a significant development in the ongoing political crisis within the EU. It shows the unity and determination of these countries in upholding the EU’s values and principles. It also sends a strong message to Hungary and other member states that the EU will not tolerate the erosion of democratic norms. It is now up to the Hungarian government to take concrete actions to address the concerns raised by its fellow EU members and uphold the EU’s core values.
