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The Soul of Schengen: EU Citizens Demand Action Against Undemocratic Members

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The Soul of Schengen: EU Citizens Demand Action Against Undemocratic Members

A new report reveals a surprising public appetite for tough measures—including visa restrictions and funding cuts—against member states that defy democratic values.

Published on: May 31, 2025

The Soul of Schengen: EU Citizens Demand Action Against Undemocratic Members

A Union of Values Faces a Crisis from Within

The Schengen Area is more than just a passport-free travel zone; it's built on a promise of shared democratic values. But what happens when a member of the club decides to play by a different set of rules? This is the dilemma currently facing the European Union, as countries like Hungary under Viktor Orbán challenge the very principles that hold the union together.

For years, the EU has been criticized for its gentle approach. Now, a powerful new voice is entering the debate: its own citizens. A recent study across Germany, Italy, Poland, and Sweden reveals a clear and startling demand—Europeans want their leaders to get tough on democratic backsliding, even if it comes at a cost.

The People's Verdict: Principles Over Pocketbooks

The research shows that a majority of EU citizens support imposing stronger sanctions, including financial penalties and even Schengen visa restrictions, on governments that undermine the rule of law. Remarkably, this support holds true even when it might negatively impact their own country's economy, signaling a profound commitment to democratic principles over national interest.

This puts the EU in a fascinating position. While leaders in Brussels may hesitate, the people they represent are calling for action.

The EU's Toolbox: Three Tough Choices

So, what can be done? Experts have outlined a three-step strategy to pressure non-compliant governments without fracturing the Union:

  1. Hit Them Where It Hurts: The Power of the Purse. The EU is already withholding €22 billion in development funds from Hungary. The proposal is to maintain this freeze and make all future EU funding, including for defense, strictly conditional on respecting democratic norms.

  2. Go It Alone: Bypassing the Blockers. When a state like Hungary vetoes important initiatives, the plan suggests forming "coalitions of the willing." This would allow progressive member states to move forward on key policies, leaving the obstructive government politically isolated.

  3. The Ultimate Sanction: Suspending the Vote. The most drastic step is to pursue Article 7 of the EU treaty, which could lead to suspending a country's voting rights in the EU Council. It's the political equivalent of a red card, signaling that the violation of core values is unacceptable.

The Unanimity Trap

Ultimately, the study highlights a fundamental flaw in the EU's architecture: the requirement for unanimous decisions on many key issues. This allows a single state to hold the entire bloc hostage. Without reforming this system, experts warn, the EU's ability to protect its own integrity—and the future of the Schengen dream—remains dangerously at risk.

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