Magyar and Metsola discuss EU dropping rule of law procedure against Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said Thursday that after a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Strasbourg, they agreed that the Article 7 procedure against Hungary should be concluded by autumn. The procedure, often called the EU's "nuclear option," was triggered in 2018 over concerns about the rule of law and democracy under the previous government of Viktor Orbán. It allows for the suspension of a member state's voting rights, but EU countries have not reached the required majority to do so. Magyar, who took office in April, wrote on X that he also plans to address the Parliament after the summer. He has requested the procedure be halted as he intends to introduce reforms to access over €16 billion in frozen EU funds.

Metsola's office gave a more cautious readout, saying she told Magyar "that should Parliament continue to see positive progress and concrete actions that address the Parliament’s previous concerns, it would be for MEPs and group leaders to take that into account when considering next steps or any potential timeline." In April, the head of the center-right European People's Party, Manfred Weber, called for ending the Article 7 proceedings. Magyar's Tisza party is a member of the EPP. However, the lead lawmaker on the file, Green Dutch MEP Tinneke Strik, told POLITICO in April that the process should remain active until all concerns are addressed. Parliament Vice President Sophie Wilmes said that while the shift brought by the new government is undeniable, tangible progress must be demonstrated, and a mission in October will allow an objective assessment.