Denmark calls for Hungary to be stripped of EU voting rights for violating democratic norms

European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre has said Copenhagen intends to push ahead with the Article 7 procedure of the EU Treaty - the so-called "nuclear option" - which could lead to Budapest being stripped of its voting rights in the EU Council, Politico writes.

"We are still seeing a violation of fundamental principles," Bjerre said in Aarhus during a European Commission visit to mark the start of the Danish presidency of the EU Council. - "That is why we will continue with the Article 7 procedure and the Hungarian hearing.

Article 7 allows, with the consent of EU member states, to impose sanctions against a state that violates the law and democratic standards of the union, up to and including suspension from decision-making. Despite numerous accusations from Brussels, the EU has so far avoided using this extreme measure.

Marie Bjerre also emphasised that the EU should consider limiting access to European funding for states that violate the laws of the union. In her view, financial pressure could be an effective tool to restore law and order and enforce common rules.

One of the key topics of concern for Copenhagen was Hungary's position on EU enlargement. The Hungarian government continues to block Ukraine's accession talks, which is hampering the integration process.

"We are ready to consider all political and practical solutions that will allow us to move forward," the minister said.

If EU states decide to move forward on Article 7, Hungary could be stripped of its veto on European policy issues, including enlargement. This would open the way for negotiations with Ukraine to continue without Budapest's involvement. However, as diplomats emphasise, this requires clear and unified support from Paris and Berlin - and it is not there yet.

Against the backdrop of Hungarian resistance, the possibility of starting a negotiation process on Moldova's membership separately from Ukraine is being discussed. These two countries were previously on a synchronised path to European integration, and their possible "separation" would cause disputes within the union. Nevertheless, according to Marie Bjerre, Denmark does not support the idea of separation:

"We still believe that the negotiation cluster should be open for Moldova and Ukraine at the same time," she said.