EU Lawmakers Demand Withdrawal of Hungary's Voting Rights

A group of 63 European Parliament lawmakers urged the EU to withdraw Hungary's voting rights over Prime Minister Viktor Orban's recent diplomatic meetings. Orban's travels included visits to Moscow and Beijing as part of a self-styled 'peace mission.' Lawmakers argue Orban overreached his authority, necessitating substantive actions.

A cohort of 63 European Parliament lawmakers has called for the European Union to revoke Hungary's voting rights within the bloc, citing Prime Minister Viktor Orban's recent visits to Moscow and Beijing.

Last week, Orban also met U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump after a series of diplomatic meetings, including with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, under the banner of a 'peace mission' aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict. This month, Hungary took on the rotating EU presidency, responsible for organizing meetings of EU member states until the end of the year.

In a letter published on social media platform X, lawmakers criticized Orban for implying he represented the entire EU without proper authority. The letter urged concrete actions, such as suspending Hungary's voting rights, to address the situation. Hungarian representation at the EU did not respond to requests for comment.

Signatories of the letter included lawmakers from several political groups, notably the European People's Party, socialists, liberals, European Conservatives and Reformists, and Greens. Although they lack the formal power to revoke Hungary's voting rights, they aim to increase political pressure on Brussels.

The European Commission announced it would downgrade its participation in informal meetings organized by Hungary’s EU presidency, sending civil servants instead of commissioners. Hungary’s government criticized the move, accusing the European Commission of selectively choosing its partners.