It is highly unusual for these two EU bodies to threaten legal action against each other. This week, EU leaders are again discussing increased support for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian occupiers. The European Parliament will decide whether to initiate legal proceedings based on the outcome of those talks.
On Thursday, the group leaders will meet to give President Roberta Metsola the final green light to sue the Commission before the March 25 deadline. Together with group leaders from the S&D, Greens, Left, and Liberals, EPP leader Manfred Weber is expected to vote in favor of the move, according to party officials in the corridors.
Such a step by the European Parliament marks an escalation of tensions between the European Union institutions and Hungary under Orbán’s leadership. The prime minister has repeatedly criticized what he sees as interference in Hungary's domestic affairs by the EU.
The EP has repeatedly called on the Commission to intervene over concerns about the erosion of democratic standards in Hungary, including judicial independence, press freedom, and minority rights.
A potential legal battle between the European Parliament and the European Commission is expected to be lengthy and complex, and it will likely set a precedent for how the EU handles member states that undermine the rule of law in the future.