The dispute in the EU is gaining momentum. Hungary contributes a lawsuit
Hungary filed a lawsuit against the EU in connection with the decision regarding the use of frozen Russian assets for military assistance for Ukraine.
Budapest sent a lawsuit to the Court of Justice of the European Union against the EU Council and the European instrument for peace. The case concerns a decision of May 2024, which enabled the use of income from frozen Russian assets to finance the aid of Ukraine, including military support.
Hungary sue the EU
The Hungarian portfolio portal announced that the claim was filed in July, and at the beginning of this week adopted by the Tribunal. The Hungarian government argues that the procedure, adopted by Brussels, violates EU treaties and fundamental principles of equality of Member States.
The decision assumes that almost all profits from the taxation of Russia’s assets (estimated at EUR 3-5 billion a year) are to go to the European instrument for peace. This mechanism returns the costs of military assistance granted to Ukraine.
Years of proceedings
While voting on the decision, Hungary abstained from their participation. However, the EU adopted the interpretation that such behavior means that the Budapest’s voice is not necessary to take into account when making decisions about specific payments. According to the government of Viktor Orban, this means depriving Hungary of the right to vote without a legal basis. – There was a violation of the principle of equality of Member States and the democratic functioning of the Union – it was indicated in the lawsuit, cited by Euronews.
Experts emphasize that the proceedings may take many years, and in the meantime the rules for using Russian assets have already changed. However, this does not change the fact that Budapest undermines the legality of previous decisions.
The Orban’s government has been criticizing Brussels for a long time – as he claims – “prolonging war” by transferring military equipment to Ukraine. The Hungarian authorities also refer to the situation of the Hungarian minority in the Ukrainian corner and block the opening of the first of the so -called negotiating clusters in Ukraine’s accessories with the EU, which formally began in June 2024.
