Russia and Ukraine flashpoint

[Bofferbrauer2]

Ka-pi96 said:

SecondWar said:

I really don't get why Hungary are in the EU or Nato at this point. Joining the EU means signing up to its membership charter on things like human rights, judicial independence etc. Hungary breaks these rules, then complains when the EU sanctions it. I've seen brexiteers online cheering Hungary against the 'dictatorial; EU, appearing to miss the point as well.

And I get Ukraine isn't in Nato, but Hungary sitting on the sidelines whilst the rest of Nato is supporting Ukraine, and particularly saying they'll pay Putin in roubles for Russian gas seems like they've chosen to side with Putin.

Being in the EU is profitable for them, it's as simple as that.

They should absolutely be kicked out though! They shouldn't get any of the benefits if they can't even respect basic EU principles like human rights.

The problem is that there's no legal way to expel a member state. They may leave if they wish so, like the UK did, but they can't be expelled.

However, what can be done is withholding payments to Hungary and stripping them of their voting rights, making them members of the Schengen area and not much more anymore. This could seriously hamper the Hungarian economy, but could also backfire as this could be considered overreach by the European Commission. Still, at this point, I'd consider this the right thing to do. Hungarian media and judiciary are de facto in the hands of Fidesz, which gives them a giant advantage in any and all elections, which is partly why they can get an absolute majority in elections, as the opposition is severely suppressed.