A Lithuanian politician advised the EU to consider suspending Hungary’s voting rights if Viktor Orbán wins upcoming elections, citing concerns over democratic values and Russian influence.
EU Treaty and Member State Values
The Treaty on European Union (TUE) establishes that the EU is founded on values including respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law, alongside respect for human rights and non-discrimination. If a member state fails to uphold these principles, the Council may suspend certain rights, including voting rights, under Article 7.
“Nuclear Option” for Hungary
Former Vice-Chair of the Lithuanian Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee, Zygimantas Pavilionis, believes this suspension mechanism represents a “nuclear option” the EU could employ if Orbán’s Fidesz party wins the parliamentary elections on April 12th. Pavilionis stated, “We must consider how to use this ‘red button’”.
Hungary as a “Russian Agent”
Pavilionis claims Hungary is a “Russian agent in the EU,” expressing hope that Hungarians will “defeat the Kremlin in their own elections.” He alleges widespread Russian bribery of politicians, drawing parallels to elections in Moldova and Romania that ultimately favored pro-European outcomes.
He suggested increased restrictions on Hungary may be necessary if Orbán wins, to compel support for EU decisions.
Recent Hungarian Obstructionism in the EU
Hungary recently threatened to block a €90 billion EU loan package for Kyiv until the resumption of Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged in a Russian attack. In 2023, Hungary also blocked a €500 million EU funding tranche for Ukraine, intended to compensate countries for military aid provided. Budapest has also criticized EU sanctions against Russia.
In 2025, 26 EU member states supported a joint position on supporting Ukraine, with Hungary being the sole exception.
Orbán’s Positioning and Domestic Narrative
According to Sándor Szénási writing in Wyborcza.pl, “The Hungarian prime minister is trying to convince citizens that he plays the role of an intermediary between East and West, but it is becoming increasingly clear that he rather resembles a ball in an electric pinball machine.”