Camilla Jessen
Denmark intensifies pressure on Budapest amid growing tensions over Ukraine and EU values.
Denmark is ramping up pressure on Hungary by calling for the continuation of Article 7 proceedings—one of the EU’s most serious legal mechanisms—to address what it sees as ongoing violations of the bloc’s fundamental principles.
Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre made the comments on Monday during a visit by the European Commission to Aarhus, where Denmark has taken over the rotating presidency of the EU Council.
“We continue to see a violation of fundamental values,” Bjerre told reporters. “That is why we will continue the Article 7 procedure and the hearing on Hungary,” she said, according to Politico.
The “Nuclear Option” on the Table
Article 7 of the EU treaty allows for sanctions, including the suspension of a member state’s voting rights, if it is found to be in serious breach of the bloc’s values.
While the procedure has been triggered before—most notably against Hungary and Poland—no country has yet faced actual penalties.
Now, Denmark says it is determined to explore the full range of legal tools available, including this so-called “nuclear option.”
Bjerre also signaled that Denmark supports the idea of conditioning EU funding on compliance with EU laws, an idea that has gained traction in Brussels in recent years.
Ukraine’s Stalled EU Accession a Key Concern
Denmark’s concerns go beyond rule-of-law issues. Bjerre specifically criticized Hungary’s ongoing blockade of Ukraine’s EU accession process.
Budapest has consistently opposed further steps in Ukraine’s membership path, citing a range of objections.
In response, Denmark is “willing to explore all political and practical solutions to move forward,” Bjerre said.
One possible step would be to strip Hungary of its voting rights in EU policy decisions—including on enlargement—if Article 7 proceedings are advanced. This would effectively neutralize Hungary’s ability to veto Ukraine’s bid for membership.
European Unity Put to the Test
Despite Denmark’s strong position, significant hurdles remain. Advancing Article 7 would require broad support, particularly from key players like France and Germany.
So far, that backing has not materialized.
Meanwhile, with Hungary continuing to block Ukraine’s bid, speculation has emerged that the European Commission could proceed with Moldova’s EU membership process separately.
Both countries have so far advanced in parallel, and any move to split them could stir controversy.
Denmark, however, says it is not ready to decouple the two bids.
“Our goal is still to open the first group together with Moldova and Ukraine,” Bjerre stated.
