A veiled threat is reportedly aimed at Hungary, which has been a roadblock for several EU foreign policy initiatives.
Politico reports that the upcoming German government intends to take a more active role in EU decision-making, including penalizing nations that oppose the bloc’s foreign policy. The report cites a draft coalition agreement that targets Hungary, a country that has challenged EU positions on issues like the Ukraine conflict and sanctions against Russia.
Germany is expected to form a new coalition government composed of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democrats (SPD), likely under the leadership of Friedrich Merz of the CDU. These parties are currently finalizing agreements on key policy areas, including migration, climate, and EU relations. Merz reportedly wants to have the new government in place before Easter, which falls on April 20.
According to Politico, one of the documents outlines Berlin’s plan for a more assertive EU strategy. It suggests using the ‘Weimar Triangle’ – a trilateral alliance between Germany, France, and Poland (which currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency) – to influence the bloc’s direction and enhance Germany’s utilization of its voting rights.
The draft also indicates that Berlin intends to “defend” the EU against “internal and external enemies” by advocating for punitive measures against member states that are accused of violating principles such as the rule of law. These penalties could include withholding EU funds and suspending voting rights.
“We will take even more consistent action against violations,” the document asserts. “Existing protective instruments, from infringement proceedings and the withholding of EU funds to the suspension [of] membership rights such as voting rights in the Council of the EU, must be applied much more consistently than before.”
The coalition has also proposed a “comprehensive sanction instrument” to control perceived dissenters. This includes potentially replacing the EU’s foreign policy unanimity requirement with majority voting to prevent individual countries from blocking decisions, such as sanctions.
“The consensus principle in the European Council must not become a brake on decision-making,” the document states.
Although Hungary isn’t specifically named, the draft agreement seems to clearly reference the country, which has frequently clashed with EU policies, especially regarding its stance on the Ukraine conflict and its sanctions policy toward Russia.
Budapest has maintained that the sanctions have negatively impacted the EU’s economy and has used its veto power on several occasions to delay or weaken measures. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has repeatedly accused the EU of adopting a “pro-war” position and has independently pursued peace initiatives concerning the Ukraine conflict.
The EU has previously threatened to suspend Hungary’s voting rights. In 2022, it withheld approximately €22 billion in funds allocated for Budapest, citing concerns related to rights and the judiciary. However, about half of that amount was eventually released last year.