The incoming German government announces that it will push the European Union to yet decision from words to deeds against countries that are violating EU values – it is expected to be Hungary, Viktor Orbán. Politico.eu reports the case.
Chadec Friedrich Merz, the future Chancellor of Germany, and their possible coalition partner, the Social Democratic organization of Germany (SPD), agreed that they would request the EU to suspend funds and suspend voting rights for countries that violate fundamental principles specified as the regulation of law. This is what the draft coalition agreement reached POLITICO.
Although Hungary has not been mentioned by name, the context clearly points to this country – for years accused of breaking democratic standards, limiting media freedom and subjecting the judiciary to executive power.
Coalition negotiations between Merza's winning chadeks and SPD are ongoing and their aim is to agree on a common programming platform before taking over governments. The announcement of a stronger emphasis on countries specified as Hungary is part of a series of agreements including migration policy, carbon departure and social welfare reform.
"The existing safeguard instruments, from infringement proceedings to the suspension of EU funds to the suspension of associate States' rights, must be applied much more consistently than before", is enshrined in the draft agreement.
Procedures suspended, measures blocked
As early as 2018, the European Parliament launched for Hungary the first phase of the procedure under Article 7 of the EU Treaty, the alleged "nuclear option", for "serious violations" of EU values. However, the process is stuck due to political divisions among associate States.
In 2022, the European Commission blocked Hungary's access to around EUR 22 billion, citing concerns about the regulation of law and the independency of courts. Over 10 billion of this amount were unlocked last year, which sparked criticism.
The pro-Russian attitude of Orbán remains an inflammatory point in Budapest's relations with Brussels. Hungary has repeatedly blocked sanctions against Russian oligarchs and military.
New voting rules
In order to reduce the effectiveness of the Hungarian veto, the future German government wants to advance the extension of qualified majority voting in the Council of the EU, peculiarly on matters of common abroad and safety policy, specified as the imposition of sanctions.
The coalition besides declares that Germany will be a more active player in Europe, referring to the Weimar Triangle – an informal alliance of Germany, France and Poland. Merz announced that on the first day of office he would visit Paris and Warsaw.
No more German voice?
The CDU/CSU besides announces the fight against the problem of the alleged "German voice" – that is, the situation where Germany abstains in the EU due to the deficiency of unanimity between its own ministries. Merz wants the government not to abstain in specified cases, especially in key cases.
However, the SPD and the charades disagree on how to solve this problem. The others want Merz to have a decisive voice in these matters. The SPD prefers to keep the rule of settlement of interministerial disputes.
The draft European Coalition Agreement was drawn up by 1 of 16 working groups. The final version of the agreement may be published as early as mid-April.
