{"id":2131644,"date":"2026-09-07T05:00:34","date_gmt":"2026-09-07T02:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2131644"},"modified":"2026-09-07T05:00:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T02:00:34","slug":"exclusive-meps-on-track-to-end-article-7-nuclear-option-against-hungary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2131644","title":{"rendered":"Exclusive: MEPs on track to end article 7 &#8216;nuclear option&#8217; against Hungary"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/01\/44\/1200x675_cmsv2_35719541-9bb5-5527-98c3-ec5c57212c95-9900144.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2923131-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923131\" data-cid=\"9901687\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923131-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/87\/189x106_cmsv2_25c86027-0f9f-5b8b-b09e-2ce1979b933a-9901687.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Joe Allnutt (Small Robot Company) and Thomas Burrell operating a farming robot named &quot;Tom&quot; as part of a trial in East Meon, southern England, 30 Nov 2018.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Digital agriculture: The 5 ways AI is transforming how we farm\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923171-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2923171\" data-cid=\"9901922\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923171-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/19\/22\/189x106_cmsv2_e48bb51b-bb81-55c9-89fb-43ca326071c0-9901922.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Euronews did not produce this video.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    The Cube<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fake Euronews video invents deadly shooting at NATO exercise\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923633-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2923633\" data-cid=\"9903549\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923633-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/35\/49\/189x106_cmsv2_4acad929-6fc2-54a5-b846-0f6279d17240-9903549.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A flower sculpture featuring a giant wave appears during the flower parade in southern Netherlands, on Sept. 11, 2005. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    400,000 Dahlias and Giant Floats: Netherlands Hosts Spectacular Flower Parade\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923669-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923669\" data-cid=\"9903720\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923669-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/37\/20\/189x106_cmsv2_03cb8656-5992-5520-b02f-35a68683d8d4-9903720.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Susan Sarandon shares her support for Palestine has cost her roles \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cinema<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Hollywood blacklisting: Susan Sarandon shares her support for Palestine has cost her film roles\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923131-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923131\" data-cid=\"9901687\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923131-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/87\/189x106_cmsv2_25c86027-0f9f-5b8b-b09e-2ce1979b933a-9901687.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Joe Allnutt (Small Robot Company) and Thomas Burrell operating a farming robot named &quot;Tom&quot; as part of a trial in East Meon, southern England, 30 Nov 2018.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Digital agriculture: The 5 ways AI is transforming how we farm\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923171-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2923171\" data-cid=\"9901922\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923171-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/19\/22\/189x106_cmsv2_e48bb51b-bb81-55c9-89fb-43ca326071c0-9901922.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Euronews did not produce this video.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    The Cube<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fake Euronews video invents deadly shooting at NATO exercise\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923633-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2923633\" data-cid=\"9903549\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923633-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/35\/49\/189x106_cmsv2_4acad929-6fc2-54a5-b846-0f6279d17240-9903549.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A flower sculpture featuring a giant wave appears during the flower parade in southern Netherlands, on Sept. 11, 2005. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    400,000 Dahlias and Giant Floats: Netherlands Hosts Spectacular Flower Parade\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923669-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923669\" data-cid=\"9903720\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923669-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/37\/20\/189x106_cmsv2_03cb8656-5992-5520-b02f-35a68683d8d4-9903720.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Susan Sarandon shares her support for Palestine has cost her roles \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cinema<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Hollywood blacklisting: Susan Sarandon shares her support for Palestine has cost her film roles\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Exclusive: MEPs on track to end article 7 &#8216;nuclear option&#8217; against Hungary<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/01\/44\/1536x864_cmsv2_35719541-9bb5-5527-98c3-ec5c57212c95-9900144.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"P\u00e9ter Magyar is Hungary&apos;s Prime Minister since May 2026\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              P\u00e9ter Magyar is Hungary&#8217;s Prime Minister since May 2026<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspVincenzo Genovese\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1788757234\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-09-07 07:00:34 +02:00\">07\/09\/2026 &#8211; 7:00 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"share-comment-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        MEPs are on course to end the long-standing measure, which was introduced over alleged violations of EU values under Viktor Orb\u00e1n\u2019s government. A mission to Hungary in October would assess the progress of P\u00e9ter Magyar\u2019s administration, with a final decision expected in early 2027.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>The European Parliament is on track to end the long-running Article 7 procedure, the EU\u2019s so-called \u201cnuclear option&#8221; against Hungary, which was launched in 2018 over concerns about violations of EU values under then-prime minister Viktor Orb\u00e1n.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>With P\u00e9ter Magyar now leading the Hungarian government, the country is revising several laws dating back to the Orb\u00e1n era, prompting the Parliament to reconsider its position, according to several MEPs and officials who spoke to Euronews. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cHungary has completed many reforms that bring the country into closer alignment with the EU,&#8221; said a senior MEP from the European People\u2019s Party (EPP), the Parliament\u2019s largest political group. &#8220;I see it as reasonable that the procedure ends soon, and I hope it will,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n<p>The EPP is among the political forces prepared to push for the withdrawal of Article 7, in a bid to secure a political victory for Magyar\u2019s Tisza party, which is a member of the party.<\/p>\n<p>The Article 7 procedure is an exceptional measure that can ultimately strip a country of its voting rights if a serious breach of EU values is established. MEPs triggered it against Hungary in 2018, citing concerns over judicial independence, corruption, media freedom and fundamental rights, as well as the rights of minorities and migrants.<\/p>\n<p>A fact-finding mission to Hungary is planned for late October, with meetings scheduled with institutions, stakeholders, authorities and NGOs to gain a comprehensive picture of the rule of law situation in the country.<\/p>\n<p>MEPs taking part in the mission will then draft a report and are expected to recommend withdrawing the procedure if they conclude that EU values are no longer being violated. Some Parliament officials say this could happen as soon as December, while Dutch MEP Tineke Strik, who is leading the file, expects the report to be ready in early 2027.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere is a whole checklist with criteria which we will assess: one of the elements is the withdrawal of the anti LGBTI+ law,\u201d she told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>Strik referred to a controversial piece of legislation on minors&#8217; protection which restricts children\u2019s access to books, films and other content promoting or depicting a deviation from biological sex, gender transition or homosexuality.<\/p>\n<p>So far, the Hungarian government has not repealed the law, nor has it announced its willingness to do so.<\/p>\n<p>The final decision to withdraw the procedure requires a two-thirds majority, meaning at least 480 of the Parliament\u2019s 719 lawmakers must vote in favour of ending it.<\/p>\n<p>Left-wing groups such as the Greens and The Left could oppose the withdrawal, while conservatives and far-right forces are expected to back it, having consistently viewed Article 7 as an unwarranted intrusion into national politics. The European Conservatives and Reformists, Patriots for Europe and Europe of Sovereign Nations together account for almost 200 MEPs.<\/p>\n<p>With the EPP\u2019s 184 lawmakers likely to back the move, the centrist Socialists and Democrats (S&amp;D) and liberal Renew Europe groups will be crucial to the decision. Both acknowledge Hungary\u2019s progress but stress the need for a thorough assessment that takes into account the full body of legislation.<\/p>\n<p>Renew will discuss the issue at its first meeting of the new parliamentary season in Paris next week, MEP Sandro Gozi told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe end of the procedure should be based on real changes; otherwise we give the impression it is just a political decision,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>The procedure has been triggered only twice in the EU\u2019s history: by the Commission against Poland in 2017 and by the European Parliament against Hungary the following year. In neither case has it reached the sanctions stage, which requires unanimous support from EU member states to suspend a country\u2019s voting rights.<\/p>\n<p>The procedure against Poland was closed in 2024, after a coalition led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk replaced the far-right Law and Justice (PiS) government, bringing the country back in line with the Commission&#8217;s requests on judicial independence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Hungary says it has met all conditions to unlock full \u20ac10bn EU Recovery Fund<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Hungary on track to unlock \u20ac10bn in EU funds before August reform deadline<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Hungary unveils &#8216;clean up&#8217; plan as governemnt takes new steps to unlock frozen EU funds<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  European Parliament<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Hungary<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  rule of law<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923651-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923651\" data-cid=\"9903606\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923651-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/36\/06\/320x180_cmsv2_45fdfb20-b490-5c57-9279-f8f31b5e0eae-9903606.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ulrich Siegmund, top candidate for the &quot;Alternative for Germany&quot; (AfD) party holds his motorcycle keys in party colours\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    AfD&#8217;s historic win splits European opinion<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923645-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923645\" data-cid=\"9903599\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923645-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/35\/99\/320x180_cmsv2_31685176-c215-5dd3-a5de-e94b2ab37f3b-9903599.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Judges walk to their seats in the International Court of Justice in The Hague, 22 October, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Germany seeks to quash Gaza genocide case at top UN court<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923647-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923647\" data-cid=\"9903602\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923647-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/36\/02\/320x180_cmsv2_69c58207-7815-535c-989c-f9534371bd86-9903602.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"EU European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU diplomatic service scraps new high-level defence group<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923648-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923648\" data-cid=\"9903603\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923648-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/36\/03\/320x180_cmsv2_9a901545-b1b6-56e5-862b-4e5207adeef3-9903603.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"People buy goods and food at a street market in Istanbul, Turkey - FILE PHOTO\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Turkey hikes inflation forecast to 28.4% as war pushes outlook higher<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923172-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923172\" data-cid=\"9901923\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923172-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/19\/23\/320x180_cmsv2_6da3a40b-64d1-5be0-ac85-c8593a6c6c4b-9901923.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A tugboat sails alongside the French navy frigate Normandie before it docks during a patrol in a Norwegian fjord, north of the Arctic circle, Friday 8 March 2024. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU races to rethink Arctic policy as the global power grab continues<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2923105-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923105\" data-cid=\"9901892\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    STIHL chief calls for longer hours without extra pay in reform push<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2923305-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923305\" data-cid=\"9902694\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Paris drops Mercator projection: France now looks smaller on world maps<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2923049-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923049\" data-cid=\"9901134\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why is fuel expensive when crude oil hasn&#8217;t hit record highs?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2923475-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923475\" data-cid=\"9902981\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran claims strike on US drone, US calls it &#8216;total lie&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2923449-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923449\" data-cid=\"9902873\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US peace envoys arrive in Kyiv after talks with Putin<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923651-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923651\" data-cid=\"9903606\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923651-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/36\/06\/320x180_cmsv2_45fdfb20-b490-5c57-9279-f8f31b5e0eae-9903606.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ulrich Siegmund, top candidate for the &quot;Alternative for Germany&quot; (AfD) party holds his motorcycle keys in party colours\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    AfD&#8217;s historic win splits European opinion<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923645-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923645\" data-cid=\"9903599\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923645-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/35\/99\/320x180_cmsv2_31685176-c215-5dd3-a5de-e94b2ab37f3b-9903599.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Judges walk to their seats in the International Court of Justice in The Hague, 22 October, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Germany seeks to quash Gaza genocide case at top UN court<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923647-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923647\" data-cid=\"9903602\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923647-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/36\/02\/320x180_cmsv2_69c58207-7815-535c-989c-f9534371bd86-9903602.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"EU European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU diplomatic service scraps new high-level defence group<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923648-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923648\" data-cid=\"9903603\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923648-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/36\/03\/320x180_cmsv2_9a901545-b1b6-56e5-862b-4e5207adeef3-9903603.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"People buy goods and food at a street market in Istanbul, Turkey - FILE PHOTO\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Turkey hikes inflation forecast to 28.4% as war pushes outlook higher<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923172-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923172\" data-cid=\"9901923\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923172-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/19\/23\/320x180_cmsv2_6da3a40b-64d1-5be0-ac85-c8593a6c6c4b-9901923.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A tugboat sails alongside the French navy frigate Normandie before it docks during a patrol in a Norwegian fjord, north of the Arctic circle, Friday 8 March 2024. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU races to rethink Arctic policy as the global power grab continues<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923105-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923105\" data-cid=\"9901892\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    STIHL chief calls for longer hours without extra pay in reform push<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923305-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923305\" data-cid=\"9902694\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Paris drops Mercator projection: France now looks smaller on world maps<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923049-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923049\" data-cid=\"9901134\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why is fuel expensive when crude oil hasn&#8217;t hit record highs?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923475-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923475\" data-cid=\"9902981\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran claims strike on US drone, US calls it &#8216;total lie&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923449-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923449\" data-cid=\"9902873\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US peace envoys arrive in Kyiv after talks with Putin<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The European Parliament is on track to end the long-running Article 7 procedure, the EU\u2019s so-called \u201cnuclear option&#8221; against Hungary, which was launched in 2018 over concerns about violations of EU values under then-prime minister Viktor Orb\u00e1n.With P\u00e9ter Magyar now leading the Hungarian government, the country is revising several laws dating back to the Orb\u00e1n era, prompting the Parliament to reconsider its position, according to several MEPs and officials who spoke to Euronews.\u201cHungary has completed many reforms that bring the country into closer alignment with the EU,&#8221; said a senior MEP from the European People\u2019s Party (EPP), the Parliament\u2019s largest political group. &#8220;I see it as reasonable that the procedure ends soon, and I hope it will,\u201d he added.The EPP is among the political forces prepared to push for the withdrawal of Article 7, in a bid to secure a political victory for Magyar\u2019s Tisza party, which is a member of the party.The Article 7 procedure is an exceptional measure that can ultimately strip a country of its voting rights if a serious breach of EU values is established. MEPs triggered it against Hungary in 2018, citing concerns over judicial independence, corruption, media freedom and fundamental rights, as well as the rights of minorities and migrants.A fact-finding mission to Hungary is planned for late October, with meetings scheduled with institutions, stakeholders, authorities and NGOs to gain a comprehensive picture of the rule of law situation in the country.MEPs taking part in the mission will then draft a report and are expected to recommend withdrawing the procedure if they conclude that EU values are no longer being violated. Some Parliament officials say this could happen as soon as December, while Dutch MEP Tineke Strik, who is leading the file, expects the report to be ready in early 2027.\u201cThere is a whole checklist with criteria which we will assess: one of the elements is the withdrawal of the anti LGBTI+ law,\u201d she told Euronews.Strik referred to a controversial piece of legislation on minors&#8217; protection which restricts children\u2019s access to books, films and other content promoting or depicting a deviation from biological sex, gender transition or homosexuality.So far, the Hungarian government has not repealed the law, nor has it announced its willingness to do so.The final decision to withdraw the procedure requires a two-thirds majority, meaning at least 480 of the Parliament\u2019s 719 lawmakers must vote in favour of ending it.Left-wing groups such as the Greens and The Left could oppose the withdrawal, while conservatives and far-right forces are expected to back it, having consistently viewed Article 7 as an unwarranted intrusion into national politics. The European Conservatives and Reformists, Patriots for Europe and Europe of Sovereign Nations together account for almost 200 MEPs.With the EPP\u2019s 184 lawmakers likely to back the move, the centrist Socialists and Democrats (S&amp;D) and liberal Renew Europe groups will be crucial to the decision. Both acknowledge Hungary\u2019s progress but stress the need for a thorough assessment that takes into account the full body of legislation.Renew will discuss the issue at its first meeting of the new parliamentary season in Paris next week, MEP Sandro Gozi told Euronews.\u201cThe end of the procedure should be based on real changes; otherwise we give the impression it is just a political decision,\u201d he said.The procedure has been triggered only twice in the EU\u2019s history: by the Commission against Poland in 2017 and by the European Parliament against Hungary the following year. In neither case has it reached the sanctions stage, which requires unanimous support from EU member states to suspend a country\u2019s voting rights.The procedure against Poland was closed in 2024, after a coalition led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk replaced the far-right Law and Justice (PiS) government, bringing the country back in line with the Commission&#8217;s requests on judicial independence.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/09\/07\/exclusive-meps-on-track-to-end-article-7-nuclear-option-against-hungary&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/01\/44\/1200x675_cmsv2_35719541-9bb5-5527-98c3-ec5c57212c95-9900144.jpg&#8221;] Tech News Digital agriculture: The 5 ways AI is transforming how we farm The Cube Fake Euronews video invents deadly shooting at NATO exercise No Comment 400,000 Dahlias and Giant Floats: Netherlands Hosts Spectacular Flower Parade Cinema Hollywood blacklisting: Susan Sarandon shares her support for Palestine has cost her film roles Tech [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2131644","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2131644","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2131644"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2131644\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2131644"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2131644"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2131644"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}