EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos has outlined special safeguards aimed at protecting the European Union from leaders who could disregard democratic values and hold EU decision-making hostage.
Kos was apparently referring to former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has repeatedly used his veto power in the European Council.
The enlargement commissioner said faster mechanisms were needed than Article 7, which allows the bloc to suspend a member state’s voting rights if it is found to be in breach of the rule of law, democracy or EU values.
Under plans published by Kos, every new EU member would face a 15-year probationary period during which its voting rights or access to EU funds could be withdrawn if it breached fundamental democratic values or the principle of loyalty to the EU, including the duty of sincere cooperation.
The proposals still need to be approved by EU member states.
