Orban’s plan for a constitutional change is an attack on EU’s rule of law
After the failed referendum in Hungary, PM Viktor Orban announced that he will change the Hungarian constitution to reject EU quotas for refugees. MEP Sven Giegold (Greens/EFA), substitute member in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs in the European Parliament commented:
“Orban’s plan for a constitutional change is an attack on Europe’s rule of law. Such a constitutional amendment would be a clear breach of the European treaties. Orban wants to turn the relation of European and national law upside down. A single member state must not limit applicable EU law. The European treaties clearly state that the EU draws up a binding framework for a common asylum and migration policy. Should Orban go ahead with his plans, the EU Commission must launch an infringement proceeding against Hungary. Already now, I expect a clear signal from the EU Commission to Hungary. No member state can dismiss European law by itself. Particularly in times of crisis, the EU must show strength on the rule of law.”