A number of Bulgarian, Romanian and Croatian MEPs backed Hungary in the European Parliament motion condemning its perceived breaches of core EU values.
Bulgarian, Croatian and Romanian members of the European Parliament, MEPs, from various groups were among the defenders of Hungary and its leader, Victor Orban, in the vote to initiate the Article 7 process that may take away Hungary’s right to vote on EU decisions.
The vote on whether to move further with what is dubbed “the nuclear option”, which may ultimately lead to Hungary losing its say in the European Council, took place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday.
The motion passed with the required two-thirds majority of 448 MEPs backing the declaration that Hungary is at “clear risk of serious breach” of EU core values, including judicial independence, academic freedom and freedom of expression.
However, the vote also revealed sharp rifts, as 197 MEPs voted against the motion and an additional 48 abstained.
“I know that you have already made up your minds,” Orban told MEPs a day earlier, adding that he knew “that my speech here today will not manage to change your opinion.”
A mix of liberal, conservative and centre-right MEPs from the three Balkan states were among Orban’s defenders.
Eight Bulgarian MEPs, including five from the European Popular Party, EPP, one from the Socialists and Democrats, S&D, and two from the Conservatives and Reformists group, ECR, opposed the motion.
For more read the full of article at The Balkaninsight
