The European Parliament's Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee has recommended triggering disciplinary proceedings against Hungary, which would set in motion a process that could result in the country losing its voting rights in the European Council.
According to AP, the Committee says Hungary's government should be sanctioned because of its lack of respect for democracy and the rule of law.
Judith Sargentini, a member of the European Parliament from the Netherlands, says Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government "time and time again ... has undermined the independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press and the fundamental rights of its citizens."
Sargentini said the government is unlikely to change course so, "the Council must initiate proceedings now.”