Brussels – Slovenia views the proceedings against Hungary under Article 7 of the EU treaty mainly as a chance for dialogue, according to State Secretary at the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marko Štucin, ahead of the EU affairs ministers’ discussion on Hungary’s rule of law.
“Article 7 is the sole mechanism available to the European Union when a member state shows a decline in its commitment to fundamental European principles. We see this primarily as an opportunity to engage in dialogue with Hungary,” Štucin remarked before the hearing related to Hungary under Article 7 at the European affairs ministers’ meeting.
He emphasized that this dialogue extends beyond merely criticizing Budapest; it also involves assessing progress in specific areas.
Furthermore, the State Secretary noted that Slovenia has not yet decided on any further actions in the Article 7 procedure.
“Hungary is our neighboring country, and we maintain a strong neighborly dialogue, so our decision will be made within this context. However, if the majority opts to advance to the next step, we will not obstruct that,” Štucin stated.
Seventeen member states, including Slovenia, have urged Hungary to amend recent legislative changes affecting the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community, which includes the ban on pride parades, prior to the meeting. In a collective statement, they also called on the European Commission to employ available legal measures if Budapest fails to take action.
“We believe that the right to express oneself and the right to assemble are fundamental rights within the European Union. We aspire to live in a European Union where these rights are upheld,” Štucin explained Slovenia’s endorsement of the statement. (May 27)
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