In December 2024, Hungary and Slovakia vetoed the Union’s proposed low-level sanctions against senior Georgian officials accused of suppressing pro-EU demonstrations.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Budapest considered the sanctions “senseless and unjustified” and was prepared to block any attempt to impose them.
Reasons for Sanctions
This is related to the events that took place in Georgia in 2024. The country saw mass protests, in which citizens expressed support for European integration. However, the protests were brutally suppressed by law enforcement agencies, which caused sharp condemnation from the international community.
In response, the European Union, concerned about the violation of human rights and democratic standards, proposed imposing sanctions against those Georgian officials who were involved in the violent suppression of the protests.
Response from Hungary and Slovakia
Hungary and Slovakia opposed the proposed sanctions, citing the need to maintain a constructive dialogue with Georgia and respect for its sovereignty, and not interfere in internal matters. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stressed that Budapest is categorically against including high-ranking Georgian officials on the sanctions list.
Foreign Minister Szijjarto noted that such measures could negatively affect bilateral relations and hinder further cooperation, where no good outcomes can be expected. Hungary is ready to veto the sanctions, considering them unfair and ineffective, and calling for a diplomatic solution to the situation. In response to these statements, many other EU states expressed concerns about the possible consequences for international relations.
Criticism from Both Sides
The Hungarian Foreign Minister also criticised the European Union’s position, accusing it of double standards and hypocrisy. He said that if the opposition in Georgia had won the elections, Brussels would certainly have welcomed it as a manifestation of democracy.
Nevertheless, if the ruling party had won, the EU would immediately begin to criticise its actions. Szijjártó stressed that such approaches contradict the principles of objectivity and fairness that the EU must adhere to when assessing political processes in other countries. The situation continues to cause controversy on both sides.
Future Balance
Hungary and Slovakia’s veto of EU sanctions against Georgia highlights internal divisions within the European Union on foreign policy and human rights. It also highlights the fact that individual EU member states are inclined to take into account their national interests and maintain good relations with states that do not always share the Union’s common values, which is no small matter.
In the future, the EU will have to find the right balance between promoting democratic values and respecting the sovereignty of its partners. The role of Hungary and Slovakia in this process will be particularly essential, as their position can influence decision-making within the EU and affect the development of relations with countries such as Georgia.
Hungary and Slovakia demonstrated their determination to defend their national interests by rejecting EU sanctions against Georgia. The case highlights deep divisions within the EU on foreign policy and human rights, which they will have to resolve in the future.
In the future, the Union must find a balance between upholding democratic values and respecting the sovereignty of its partners.
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