Could the EU Kick Out Hungary? (Video)

Hungary, once seen as a post-communist success story, has emerged as the most disruptive force in the European Union, using its veto powers to block key EU initiatives, while openly embracing anti-democratic values and pro-Kremlin foreign policy. Under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary has clashed with Brussels on nearly every front, from sanctions on Russia to financial aid for Ukraine.

Between 2016 and 2022, Hungary was behind 60 percent of all EU foreign policy vetoes, including delays in the EU’s COVID-19 recovery fund and the introduction of a minimum corporate tax. Most recently, Budapest threatened to block €50 billion (around £43 billion) in urgently needed aid for Ukraine. Just days later, the European Commission unlocked €10.2 billion (£8.7 billion) in previously frozen funds for Hungary—a move many observers saw as a political trade-off, despite official denials.

A breakdown of Hungary’s recent EU vetoes:

Orbán’s defiance extends beyond the EU budget. Budapest has actively hindered sanctions on Russia, including the 17th upcoming package and talks on freezing or repurposing €240 billion (£206 billion) in Russian assets. In July 2025, sanctions are set to expire—raising alarm that Hungary could torpedo their renewal.

While the EU prides itself on being a community of democratic values, Hungary’s backsliding is undeniable. Freedom House gives Hungary the lowest score of any EU state on its democracy index—just 65 out of 100. The country has banned Pride marches, restricted press freedoms, and reduced judicial independence.

Orbán’s government has aligned itself with controversial allies. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Hungary has drawn closer to Russia and China, and even pulled out of the International Criminal Court, a move that distances it from international norms. His so-called “peace missions” to Moscow and Beijing, while the rest of Europe backs Kyiv, have further strained relations.

Efforts to discipline Hungary using Article 7 of the EU treaties—the so-called “nuclear option”—have stalled. Although the European Parliament voted to trigger Article 7 in 2018, Hungary was shielded by Poland at the time. Today, Slovakia may play the same protective role.

So what options does the EU have?

1. Status Quo with Exclusion Tactics
   The EU has started to marginalise Hungary. Recently, 26 out of 27 EU leaders signed a joint commitment to Ukraine—deliberately excluding Hungary. This path could continue, using informal “EU minus one” actions and withholding EU funds.

2. Strip Voting Rights under Article 7
   Technically viable, this requires unanimity—still elusive due to Hungary’s allies.

3. Radical Reboot via Mass Withdrawal and Re-entry
   If all 26 member states triggered Article 50 together, the EU as it stands would dissolve, allowing a new Union to be formed without Hungary. Legally sound but politically risky, this option would require perfect coordination, national referenda, and massive trust.

4. Build an Inner Union
   A parallel bloc of willing democracies could be created within or alongside the EU framework, bypassing Hungary and using qualified majority voting instead of unanimity. This model could lead to a two-speed Europe—fast for democracies, slower for stragglers.

Germany’s political winds are shifting. The incoming coalition led by Friedrich Merz has signalled a tougher stance on Hungary. Meanwhile, Orbán’s popularity is waning, raising the possibility that a future government might be more cooperative.

Ultimately, there is no treaty clause to expel a member state from the EU. But, as Brussels has learned, where there is political will, there may still be a way.