EU integration could provide a way to sanction Hungary

Significance

The EU treaty’s Article 7 may be invoked in response to concerns about the state of democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law in a member state. Yesterday's decision by the European Commission is the first time the procedure has been used. It may next be used against Hungary. However, the power of Poland and Hungary to veto it shows the lack of instruments to enforce common values.

Impacts

• The EU’s inability to rein in non-compliant members may encourage reneging on democratic commitments elsewhere in CEE.
• Continued EU values breaches will jeopardise the EU’s coherence in talks with Serbia and Turkey.
• Values conflicts with Hungary and Poland threaten cohesion within the EU, increasing Russia’s strategic wriggle room.