Hungary's Orban reaffirms determination to counter EU action against Poland

BUDAPEST, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday reaffirmed his determination to oppose the sanctions procedure launched by the European Commission against Poland, saying that "the one who attacks Poland is attacking all of central Europe."

"It is in the interest of the Hungarian nation to stand in solidarity with the Poles and to ensure that no EU sanctions can succeed against them," said the conservative leader on Hungarian public radio, reaffirming his earlier statements made on the issue.

After months of warnings, the European Commission unleashed an unprecedented procedure against Poland on Wednesday, possibly going so far as to deprive the country of its voting rights in the EU if it does not give up its controversial judicial reforms.

"The Commission is therefore proposing to the Council to adopt a decision under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union," the Commission said.

Without the approval of Hungary, the adoption of sanctions, after a complicated European procedure, can't succeed since the vote must be made by the unanimity of the European countries (with the exception of the one targeted).

Hungary, led by Viktor Orban since 2010, has been criticized in recent years by its European partners for carrying out reforms deemed damaging to the rule of law and the balance of power. Enditem