“There is nothing new under the sun – we already knew that Verhofstadt represents this position,” said Milán Pálfalvi, analyst at Nézőpont Intézet, to our paper regarding Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt. The latest idea from the Member of the European Parliament is to withdraw more and more funds each time Hungary uses the power of veto. Pálfalvi said that just as Verhofstadt believes the sovereignty of the European Union is not for sale, we also think that Hungary’s sovereignty cannot be negotiated.
“Hungary has to focus on Hungarian interests, just as Verhofstadt focuses on his own political interests,”
– said Milán Pálfalvi. The analyst believes that though this could be accepted on the political level however, these funds are due to Hungary. “Therefore, any form of withdrawing money is inconceivable as these funds are due to Hungary… If they use these funds for blackmail, that crosses a certain border that is not permissible in the EU system,” pointed out the analyst.
Milán Pálfalvi also explained that the European Union represents economic cooperation, thus a solution can only be found through cooperating.
“Hungary does not consider it a veto if on certain issues we represent a differing opinion – even if we are the only ones – since we have a right to do so,”
– highlighted the analyst. “Hungary does not use its veto for blackmailing; after all, in this situation it is not a veto at hand but rather simply expressing a different opinion. Hungary recommends a different solution which all other countries with a right to vote can consider. They made a decision just as we made our own decision,” stated the analyst.
According to Milán Pálfalvi, the European Commission will not follow Verhofstadt’s direction and political decision-makers will not all conform to the initiative. However, at the same time, the EU is attempting to apply every form of political pressure possible to change Hungary’s opinion.
“A clear cooperation process has begun within which Hungary has satisfied 17 expectations, so I think Hungary has every chance for a decision in its favor. Hungary has approached these negotiations ready for compromise; meanwhile, Verhofstadt’s extremist opinions have already proven themselves before,”