Challenges in protecting rule of law: the Hungarian case and EU responses

Author: Veronika Czina

In: Allegra Wirmer, Irene Rusconi (eds.) How can an expanding EU best protect rule of law and democracy? European Council Experts’ Debrief, February 2024, pp. 5-6.

Abstract

The institutions of the EU have been busy trying to reform the EU’s rule of law protection toolkit in the past few years. However, it seems like there is still room for improvement: rule-breaking Member States can still control the narrative, as exemplified by the vote on Ukraine’s aid package in which Hungary had to be pressured and lobbied into supporting the decision. However, when it comes to the rule of law, such soft methods have proven ineffective so far, so it is time to focus on enforcement. The EU needs a clear strategy and Member States’ willingness is essential to address rule of law violating behaviour.