Because Hungary’s government has again adopted a blocking position on Ukraine policy, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, the German FDP member who chairs the EU Defence Committee, is calling for firm repercussions.
She told “Spiegel” that “Hungary under Orbán endangers not only solidarity with Ukraine but also Europe’s security‑policy capability”. Strack‑Zimmermann pointed out that Hungary has long profited from EU funds while at the same time flouting the Union’s core values. “When-and as-Hungary under Orbán poses a clear threat to the EU’s fundamental values, the right to vote in the Council must be revoked” she warned. She added that anyone who systematically sabotages European decisions and promotes an authoritarian narrative should not be allowed to sit at the Council table unimpeded.
Similarly, Green MEP and Hungary expert Daniel Freund expressed his concerns. “Viktor Orbán is again jeopardising Ukraine’s and Europe’s security with his vetoes, thereby playing into Putin’s hands. We can no longer afford this” he said to “Spiegel”. He called for the time to be right to strip Hungary of its voting rights in the Council, arguing that Europe has already been too long compelled by Orbán’s demands.