BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — A senior Hungarian official says a European Union procedure launched against the country for allegedly undermining EU values and rule of law sharpens divisions between newer and older members of the bloc.
Gergely Gulyas, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's chief of staff, said Friday that sanctions against Hungary under the procedure known as Article 7 would be "impossible."
The European Parliament voted in September to pursue Article 7 action against Orban's government, which could lead to the suspension of Hungary's EU voting rights.
Sanctions would require unanimity in the European Council. Hungary and Poland have vowed to veto any sanctions against the other.
Gulyas reiterated Hungary's position that the parliamentary vote was invalid on procedural grounds and Hungary is challenging the result at the European Court of Justice.
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