Belgium Calls for Punishing Hungary

Belgium's Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, who is currently presiding over the European Union, indicated that "the EU should consider suspending Hungary's voting rights due to Budapest's stance on Ukraine." In an interview with Politico, she stated, "We have Europe struggling to move forward, but unfortunately, there are some countries – especially one – that are increasingly bargaining and taking obstructive positions, using their veto power." Lahbib suggested removing Hungary's veto rights and noted that "this process was already initiated in 2018 but did not yield tangible results." It is known that Hungary will assume the presidency of the EU Council next July, which would enhance Budapest's powers in shaping the EU's agenda and priorities for the next six months.