According to Marko Mihkelson, president of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu, there are more and more opinions on the opportunity to initiate the procedure for suspending voting rights against Hungary, which is permitted by the EU treaties, but which has never been performed.
Mihkelson noted that, despite everything, the participants of the Supreme Council are optimistic that perhaps in the first month of next year it will be possible to change Hungary’s mind and reach an agreement on the aid package for Ukraine.
“But this is how we move forward in the European Union, that there are always landmines in the way, so to speak, and we have to continually think about how to convince Hungary to join the positions of 26 countries. That certainly makes you wonder if it is not the same step that Hungary itself took voluntarily by giving up its right to vote for a few moments, is this not the way to finally reach solutions, so that the European Union can act quickly and decisively at a moment’s notice in which there is a great war going on in Europe.”
Mihkelson said that giving up unanimity and taking decisions by majority is a topic that small countries, including Estonia, have so far been skeptical about.
“But of course there have also been rumors that the procedure for suspending voting rights should not be initiated against Hungary. The basic treaties allow this, even if it has never been done. And understandably, in the end, the question ” We still wonder why Orban behaves this way. Does this really serve Russia’s interests? After all, he is the only European Union head of government who has met Putin personally in two years. His behavior is very incomprehensible and only ever serves Russia’s interests.”
According to Mihkelson, Hungary is not only advocating against the aid package for Ukraine, but also against new and tougher sanctions against Russia.
“Essentially, the view in Brussels is that Hungary is currently blocking any stronger attempts to tighten sanctions. And it still leaves us wondering whether such a partner is in the same boat as us at this critical moment. And if these efforts, such as are constantly being made and which are very tiring and consume us at a time when we should be concentrating maximally on supporting Ukraine. These efforts are worth, so to speak, the candle,” Mihkelson said.
2023-12-15 10:47:00
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