In a scathing resolution, Members of the European Parliament threatened to launch legal action against the European Commission if the executive releases further frozen funds to Hungary. #EuropeNews
I’m not suggesting anything close to “chopping off the arm”. Just politely tell the member at the door that he’s welcome to play squash all he wants, but only after he has settled the membership dues.
The contagion bit is a real risk, but I’m not sure it gets better if we don’t deal with the problem. If there are no consequences for breaking the rules, why should Hungary or any the other members follow them?
Just look at Brexit. There were mumblings all over the EU-27 about leaving the EU. After Brexit, after we showed them that yes, we would let them leave and that they would be totally screwed, it’s become a crackpot fringe position in the entire EU.
Actions must have consequences. This is the largest economic block on the planet. Play by the rules or go sit on the corner.
If there are no consequences for breaking the rules, why should Hungary or any the other members follow them?
I agree, this is the interesting problem as I see it. And invoking those consequences may push them further, which may allow that idea to take more of a foothold in surrounding countries. Maybe it was even encouraged in Hungary due to other totalitarian states nearby.
I see your point about Brexit, and hope that the outcome would be the same for Hungary. My other concern here would be that it’s another domino fallen from the expanse of the EU.
it’s just an interesting problem that has issues with each solution.
Politics across borders are often very different. Also there is clear rules. Enforcing those rules is a sign of stability and encourages other governments to abide by the rules and consider how far they can go in rhetoric and action.
Not enforcing those rules on the contrary encourages more governments to act opportunistically against the organization as a whole. This threatens the entire organization.
Or to take a real life example. Do you know anyone that went speeding extra much and leaving the country because a friend of them got a speeding ticket?
Feels like you chose not to follow it.
Sure, let them be a totalitarian shithole, then watch the (EU) countries around them be influenced by this, and risk them following the same path.
This is the problem I describe. You’re welcome to ignore it but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
There may be some other reason this isn’t a problem too, but I don’t believe “just chop the arm off” is going to remove the gangrene in this case.
I’m not suggesting anything close to “chopping off the arm”. Just politely tell the member at the door that he’s welcome to play squash all he wants, but only after he has settled the membership dues.
The contagion bit is a real risk, but I’m not sure it gets better if we don’t deal with the problem. If there are no consequences for breaking the rules, why should Hungary or any the other members follow them?
Just look at Brexit. There were mumblings all over the EU-27 about leaving the EU. After Brexit, after we showed them that yes, we would let them leave and that they would be totally screwed, it’s become a crackpot fringe position in the entire EU.
Actions must have consequences. This is the largest economic block on the planet. Play by the rules or go sit on the corner.
I agree, this is the interesting problem as I see it. And invoking those consequences may push them further, which may allow that idea to take more of a foothold in surrounding countries. Maybe it was even encouraged in Hungary due to other totalitarian states nearby.
I see your point about Brexit, and hope that the outcome would be the same for Hungary. My other concern here would be that it’s another domino fallen from the expanse of the EU.
it’s just an interesting problem that has issues with each solution.
How would it influence neighbouring countries?
Politics across borders are often very different. Also there is clear rules. Enforcing those rules is a sign of stability and encourages other governments to abide by the rules and consider how far they can go in rhetoric and action. Not enforcing those rules on the contrary encourages more governments to act opportunistically against the organization as a whole. This threatens the entire organization.
Or to take a real life example. Do you know anyone that went speeding extra much and leaving the country because a friend of them got a speeding ticket?
I’d say there’s a lot going on in eastern Europe right now which is affecting each country.
Hell, all of the west is currently being influenced by each others politics imo.