The European Union is discussing the possibility of expelling Hungary if Viktor Orban wins the election, Politico reports, citing sources. At the same time, Brussels is working on mechanisms that would limit the ability of individual member states to block the bloc’s decisions.
According to one senior EU diplomat, if Orban wins, “the gloves will come off.” Another source said that the blocking of a loan to Ukraine became a turning point: “Many believe that blocking the loan to Ukraine crossed a red line, and something has to be done about it—but it is unclear what.”
Among the options under discussion is a shift to qualified majority voting instead of unanimity in sensitive areas, including foreign policy and certain elements of the long-term budget. Officials are also considering a broader use of flexible formats—from informal coalitions of the willing to deeper cooperation among smaller groups of countries. More coercive measures are also on the table, including stronger pressure mechanisms such as withholding EU funds, as well as the possible suspension of voting rights.
The most radical scenario—expelling a country from the European Union—is considered the least likely. “What would Hungary do in that case? It would fall into Russia’s orbit,” one diplomat said.