Could—or should—the EU expel Hungary?

Is it time for the European Union to expel Hungary? In recent years, Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has openly challenged the EU’s foundational values—democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Orbán’s increasingly authoritarian rule has included curbs on media freedom, erosion of judicial independence, and widespread corruption. Hungary has also obstructed EU policy on Ukraine, maintained close ties with Russia, and announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court. These actions have prompted growing calls for Hungary to be removed from the EU. But while the Union allows members to leave voluntarily, it lacks a formal mechanism to expel a member—raising difficult legal, political, and strategic questions about what can be done.

This video explores the complex case of Hungary’s relationship with the EU and whether expulsion is even possible or advisable. From the EU’s post-WWII origins to Hungary’s own turbulent history, we examine how Orbán’s Hungary came to openly defy the bloc’s core principles. We look at the risks of setting a precedent for expulsion, the potential consequences of alienating Hungary, and the alternative options—such as marginalisation or financial penalties—that the EU could pursue. With growing domestic opposition and a possible political shift on the horizon, Hungary's future in the EU may be more uncertain than ever.

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VIDEO CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Titles
02:13 The Emergence of the European Union
03:22 The Emergence of Modern Hungary
04:35 Viktor Orban and Hungary’s Illiberal Democracy
06:36 EU Measures Against Hungary
08:02 Could or Should Hungary be Expelled from the EU?
10:26 Could Hungary be Suspended from the EU?
11:44 Other Scenarios for Hungary?

#Hungary #EuropeanUnion #Orban