On May 27, the Council of the European Union will confront Hungary's voting rights, spotlighting its troubling disregard for EU values. This scrutiny comes after Hungary's blockade of aid to Ukraine and its contentious media restrictions. The EU is poised to escalate Article 7 procedures, which could pave the way for sanctions against the nation.

The EU is crafting a strategic "Plan B" to navigate around Hungary's Prime Minister Orbán, who is stalling Ukraine's accession. This approach includes engaging with other member states, but skepticism and legal hurdles loom large. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the EU is racing against time to sway Orbán, leaving Hungary's future in the balance.