Slovenia sees the proceedings against Hungary primarily as an opportunity for dialogue

Brussels – Slovenia sees the procedure against Hungary under Article 7 of the EU treaty primarily as an opportunity for dialogue, said State Secretary at the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Marko Štucin before the discussion of EU affairs ministers on the rule of law in Hungary.

“Article 7 is the only tool available to the European Union when there is a reduction in the standard of respect for fundamental European principles in a member state. We understand this primarily as an opportunity for dialogue with Hungary,” Štucin said before the hearing of Slovenia’s eastern neighbor under Article 7 of the EU treaty at the meeting of ministers for European affairs.

He emphasized that this dialogue is not just about criticizing Budapest, but also about reviewing progress in certain areas.

As the State Secretary further stated, Slovenia has not yet made a decision on possible further steps in the procedure under Article 7.

“Hungary is our neighboring country, with which we have a very good neighborly dialogue, so we will also make our decision within this framework. But if the majority decides to move to the next step, then we will not stop it,” Štucin said.

Seventeen member states, including Slovenia, have called on Hungary to revise recent changes to legislation regarding the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community, including the ban on pride parades, ahead of the meeting. In a joint statement, they also urge the European Commission to use available legal means if Budapest does not take action.

“We believe that this is a right to expression, a right to assembly, one of the fundamental rights in the European Union. We want to live in a European Union where these rights are respected,” Štucin justified Slovenia’s support for the statement. (May 27)