Introduction

Rearranging the Puzzle: How Treaty Change Can Strengthen the Protection of EU Values

“…By way of example, even though the Commission, 167 followed by the European Parliament, 168 activated Article 7 TEU, enforcement action was eventually blocked by the Council or the European Council, 169 thus demonstrating the struggle between the EU intergovernmental (Council 170 and European Council) and supranational (European Parliament and Commission) set-up failing to sanction backsliding regimes. 171 This is further intensified by the political determination of values enforcement and the majority of mechanisms involving political actors showing constant reluctance to tackle the values crisis. With regard to national sovereignty and shown by its Legal Service Opinion of 2014, the Council as an intergovernmental institution has been the most reluctant institution.…”

“…With regard to national sovereignty and shown by its Legal Service Opinion of 2014, the Council as an intergovernmental institution has been the most reluctant institution. 172 The solidarity among Member States stemming from fears of spillover may reasonably explain its unwillingness. 173 Likewise, the European Parliament has also shown its constraints 174 instigated by the strong support and party loyalty of the EPP, for which Orbán's Hungarian Fidesz party originally made strong gains in seats.…”

“…172 The solidarity among Member States stemming from fears of spillover may reasonably explain its unwillingness. 173 Likewise, the European Parliament has also shown its constraints 174 instigated by the strong support and party loyalty of the EPP, for which Orbán's Hungarian Fidesz party originally made strong gains in seats. 175 Backed by the partisan influence of the EPP, even the Commission remained unwilling to address the illiberal developments of backsliders in the European Union during the Juncker-Commission of 2014-2019.…”