Key Takeaways:
- Hungary's frequent use of its veto is paralyzing EU decision-making on foreign policy and financial aid.
- Brussels is increasingly turning to "enhanced cooperation" to bypass obstructive members.
- This could lead to a multi-speed Europe, affecting everything from capital markets to Schengen integration.
- The upcoming Hungarian election in April could either resolve or intensify the current deadlock.
It's difficult to move at the pace of the slowest member when they're running in the opposite direction. That's the dilemma facing the European Union as Viktor Orban's Hungary continues to frustrate collective decision-making.
The Hungarian prime minister has made obstruction a central plank of his populist administration. He has blocked billions in military aid to Ukraine, scuppered criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, and regularly threatened to unravel sanctions against Russia.
For travelers and citizens who value Schengen's border-free movement, this political gridlock has real implications. When one member state consistently blocks consensus, it threatens the very unity that makes seamless European travel possible.
The Veto Problem and Creative Solutions
EU decision-making traditionally prefers consensus, even when only majority voting is required. This system relies on goodwill and compromise—qualities in short supply from Budapest.
Orban's frequent use of his veto in sensitive areas like foreign policy has forced Brussels to explore "creative solutions." The most significant of these is enhanced cooperation—a mechanism that allows a group of willing member states to move forward without unanimous approval.
This approach was successfully used in December to approve a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, bypassing Hungarian, Slovak, and Czech objections. Now, there's serious discussion about using the same mechanism for internal financial reforms.
Enhanced cooperation requires at least nine member states to participate, creating what some call a "multi-speed Europe."
What This Means for Travel and Integration
The Schengen Area already represents a form of enhanced cooperation—not all EU members participate (Ireland maintains opt-outs, while Bulgaria and Romania await full accession). The current discussions could extend this model to other policy areas.
For travelers, the concern is whether political fragmentation might eventually affect border policies. While Schengen itself isn't under immediate threat, the precedent of smaller groups moving ahead independently could weaken the EU's overall cohesion.
Key developments to watch:
- The formation of an "E6" group of major economies (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Netherlands) pushing capital market reforms
- Smaller financial hubs like Ireland and Luxembourg resisting domination by larger states
- Whether enhanced cooperation becomes the norm rather than the exception
The April Election: Turning Point or More of the Same?
All eyes are on Hungary's April election, where former insider PĂ©ter Magyar presents the most credible challenge to Orban in years. A change in Budapest could dramatically reduce EU tensions overnight.
However, if Orban's Fidesz party secures another term, the pressure will intensify on Brussels to find permanent solutions to the veto problem. Options include:
- Attaching stricter conditions to EU funding for Hungary
- The nuclear option of Article 7, which could strip Hungary of voting rights (though this requires 80% support)
- More frequent use of enhanced cooperation mechanisms
Orban isn't completely isolated. He can count on support from Slovakia's Robert Fico, Czech premier Andrej Babis, and potentially Italy's Giorgia Meloni. This bloc of skeptical voices makes unanimous decisions increasingly difficult.
The Future of European Unity
The fundamental question is whether the EU can maintain its "one for all, all for one" principle when some members consistently act against collective interests. Enhanced cooperation offers a pragmatic solution but risks creating permanent divisions.
For now, Schengen travel remains unaffected. But the political fractures appearing in Brussels could eventually impact everything from financial regulations to foreign policy coordination—the very foundations that support Europe's border-free zone.
The coming months will be crucial. Hungary's election and the EU's response to continued obstruction will determine whether Europe moves forward together or in increasingly separate lanes.