EU lawmakers trigger sanctions procedure against Hungary for undermining the bloc’s values
EU lawmakers have voted in favour of action against Hungary for eroding democracy undermining the European Union's values.
The European Parliament backed a motion that could lead to sanctions against the country after growing concerns over the state of its democracy and rule of law.
A report by Dutch MEP Judith Sargentini found Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's attacks on the judiciary, the media, migrants and refugee posed a “systematic threat” to the EU's principles.
The Article 7 motion passed with 448 votes in favour, 197 against and 48 abstentions, the first time the procedure has been used against an EU member state.
It will now pass to the leaders of the bloc's 28 member states for approval and could result in Hungary's voting rights being suspended and sanctions imposed.