After the debacle yesterday in Brussels, when Hungary’s Victor Orban again chose to fundamentally breach EU:s fundamental values when refusing to support Ukraine in its fight for their national integrity, European security and general democratic values. These values and the fact that the European Union originally was built as a peace project and a safeguard for these values, the Article 7(2) must be activated, including denying Orban voting rights in the Council of Ministers. This is how it works.
In the heart of the European Union, nestled among its founding principles and shared values, lay a crucial safeguard, Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union. This unique provision serves as a vigilant guardian of the EU’s core tenets – respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental rights.
Article 7 is a two-pronged measure that is designed to address any Member State that persistently breaches these fundamental values. Where, the preventive mechanism, Article 7(1), allows for a warning to be issued to the errant state, urging it to rectify its actions and regain the trust of the Union.
In stark contrast, the more severe mechanism, Article 7(2), empowers the EU to suspend certain membership rights, such as voting in the Council of the European Union, if a Member State exhibited a risk of a serious breach of the fundamental values. This drastic step is intended to send a powerful message, emphasising the EU’s unwavering commitment to upholding its core principles.
The procedure for invoking Article 7 is carefully outlined, ensuring a thorough and impartial assessment of any alleged breach. A proposal to initiate proceedings could be submitted by a quarter of the Member States, the European Parliament, or the European Commission. Upon receipt of the proposal, the Council of the European Union, acting by a qualified majority, would decide whether to open a formal inquiry.
The inquiry phase is crucial, involving a thorough examination of the evidence and the opportunity for the Member State concerned to defend itself. If the Council finds that there is a clear risk of a serious breach, it could issue a reasoned opinion outlining the specific steps required to address the situation.
If the Member State fails to take the necessary corrective measures within a reasonable time, the Council could adopt a decision suspending certain membership rights. This decision requires a qualified majority of two-thirds of the Council and the consent of the European Parliament.
Article 7 is a testament to the EU’s unwavering commitment to its fundamental values, and serves as a powerful deterrent against any Member State that dares to stray from the path of democracy, security, justice, and respect for human rights. Its existence instils confidence in the EU’s citizens, assuring them that their shared values are not mere words on paper but a living reality upheld by a robust legal framework. So it is time to go from words to action with an activation of Article 7 where, among other things, Orban is denied the right to vote in the Council of Ministers for the sake of Ukraine’s and the rest of Europe’s democracy and security.
New Book! Now available in print, ebook and audiobook
Printed edition available on Bokus.com and Adlibris.se etc. more is on the way
The eBook available is also available in Google Play Books, Apple Books and Bokon.se more is on the way
