Worst European punishment threatens Hungary

strasbourg - The European Parliament votes in Strasbourg on whether to initiate the toughest criminal proceedings against Hungary. By invoking the so-called Article 7 of the EU Treaty, a Member State can ultimately be deprived of the right to vote in the Council of Ministers.

According to rapporteur Judith Sargentini (GroenLinks), developments in Hungary are a 'systemic threat' to European values. The government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been taking measures since 2010 that affect the rule of law. In this way, the independent media and academic world are thwarted, aid agencies thwarted and independent judges replaced by 'friends' of the government.

If the parliament adopts the report, it is the first time that it activates an article 7 procedure. A procedure is already under way against Poland, but it was introduced by the European Commission last year.

The voting rounds start at half past one. Hungary comes as seventh subject.