“Asselborn clearly wanted to explore the borders”

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European Union

“Asselborn clearly wanted to explore the borders”

With his demand for an exclusion of Hungary from the EU in Luxembourg, provides, foreign Minister Asselborn for attention. Behind the attack of the EU-expert Kai recognizes-Olaf Lang is a pure power calculus.

DW: What is the purpose of the Luxembourg foreign Minister, Jean Asselborn, with his call for a expulsion of Hungary from the EU?

Kai-Olaf Lang: These Comments fall naturally into a very specific context. The European Union is in a deep crisis. And at the end of the week, the 27 heads of state and government come together in Bratislava, in order to define where the journey in the UK.

In this delicate Phase, some actors, one of which is Asselborn see the Chance to bring the EU according to their ideas more Integration. On a seemingly difficult Partner, you want to take that into consideration. Asselborn clearly wanted to push the limits and see what is possible. In a historical Moment in which it applies, the EU together, are such postulates little desirable.

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban is again and again in the critique

That is, the foreign Minister is not alone?

No, Asselborn speaks certainly for some. In the current Phase of reorientation, you can see Hungary as a millstone, and would get rid of as part of a relaunch of the EU to such uncomfortable States. The public would say but no one. This is not to say, however, that this opinion represents the Mainstream. In addition, it must not be forgotten that Asselborn is also a party politician. In the past, harsh criticism from the ranks of the social Democrats at the national conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orban came to the part.

Nevertheless, Luxembourg and Hungary are equal members of the European Union. What are the Comments about the mood within the EU community tell us?

Some of the a great impatience seems to rule. Usually it goes like this: If there are undesirable developments in a Partner, talk about it and try to fix this. However, if the eviction is required, one has abandoned the member state actually. The desire in the other’s shoes, is missing. Some member States see clearly, rather in a competition with other EU countries in a cooperative partnership, which can be quite critical.

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Would be an exclusion at all possible?

A country throw literally out of this, is not provided for in the treaties at present. You’d have to contort yourself pretty. The Vienna Treaty law Convention, according to which a contract may be ineffective if serious contract violations exist. Then the membership could be suspended or terminated.

But this is an extreme case, could perhaps be a military coup in a member state applied. Something else article 7 of the EU Treaty. This is currently the big club, the temporary member rights can be exposed. But there are pretty high hurdles.

How are the Statements from Luxembourg, because in Hungary?

It is not the first Time that such pithy words. As so often, it is to say that the political opponents to campaign against the country. Foreign Minister Szijjarto has not already been said, that he takes Asselborn seriously.

Orban’s government will use the case, certainly for the campaign for the Referendum on the EU-wide distribution of refugees. The vote on 2. October should be a vote about Asselborn. Orban is relatively adept at such things not only bounce off, but to use even for.

That means he could use all of that?

It is to be assumed. The, without doubt exaggerated statements Asselborns are water to the mill of the Eurosceptics. You can now tell all her self-confident: Look, we will set the gun on the chest. If we don’t do fast enough, what is the demand, threatens us kicked out.

Political Scientist Kai-Olaf Lang

Asselborn has with his substantive criticism of the Hungarian policy for, right? He is not only the border fence against refugees, but also violations of the freedom of the press and the independence of the judiciary.

We are in a grey zone. There are a couple of difficult developments in Hungary, is beyond doubt. And that Orban since he came to Power in 2010, partly with super majorities draws a fundamental restructuring of the country, is quite clear. I would not, however, go so far as to say, in Hungary, Mr a defective democracy. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to determine whether or not certain principles are being violated. Measurable criteria such as fiscal consolidation, there is not in the rule of law or separation of powers.

That operates a primary on grensich of considered a refugee policy based on humanitarian standards in Germany and a few other member States, it may be a difference, but it has nothing to do with the state of Hungarian democracy. Who holds Hungary, a restrictive refugee policy, has largely break the law, who accuses Hungary, in this issue EU rules, will have difficulties to prove this.

Kai-Olaf Jung works at the German Institute for International politics and security, Stiftung Wissenschaft und politik (SWP) in Berlin. There he is in the research division EU/Europe. His areas of expertise include Central and Eastern Europe and the enlargement policy of the EU.

The Interview was conducted by Christian Wolf.