BRUSSELS, Sept 12 (KUNA) -- The European Parliament Wednesday asked EU member states to determine, in accordance with Article 7 of the EU treaty, whether Hungary is at risk of breaching the EU's founding values.
The request was approved by 448 votes to 197.
This is the first time that the EP has called on EU member states to act against a member state to prevent a systemic threat to the Union's founding values.
MEPs called on EU countries to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 7 the EU Treaty, noting that despite the Hungarian authorities' readiness to discuss the legality of any specific measure, they have not addressed the situation, "and many concerns remain".
The EP in a statement in Strasbourg said its key concerns in Hungary include the functioning of the constitutional and electoral system, the independence of the judiciary, corruption, freedom of religion, among others.
The proposal will now be sent to the EU member states for their reaction.
If triggered, Article 7 of the EU treaty could eventually lead to sanctions, such as the suspension of the voting rights for Hungary in the European Council. (end) nk.ibi