What Happened: A two-thirds majority in the European Parliament voted Sept. 12 to trigger Article 7 proceedings against Hungary for failing to respect the rule of law or democratic principles, Euractiv reported.
Why It Matters: The Article 7 procedure could lead to sanctions and a suspension of Hungary's EU voting rights, but the matter requires unanimous approval from all EU member states.
Background: Poland has already been targeted by Article 7 proceedings. The governments of both Hungary and Poland have promised to protect one another from sanctions in any vote requiring unanimity.
Read More:
- Stuck Between the U.S. and the EU, Poland Explores Its Options (July 10, 2018)
- In the EU, East and West Are Falling Out of Tune (Jan. 12, 2018)
- Poland: Warsaw Braces for Punishment by the EU Commission (Dec. 15, 2017)
