In a bid to provide financial support to Ukraine, European officials are reportedly considering the possibility of invoking Article 7 of the E.U. Treaty against Hungary. This move could potentially result in the suspension of Budapest's voting rights within the European Union (E.U.). The Financial Times reported on Monday that some E.U. countries are reluctant to use this "biggest weapon" against a member state, instead favoring efforts to convince Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to voluntarily approve the aid package.

The proposed 50 billion euro (approximately $55 billion) aid package for Ukraine could be essential in helping the country recover from economic challenges and ongoing conflict. However, the process of passing this aid package could be impeded by any single E.U. member state, as stated by the Financial Times.

Previously, Hungary benefitted from the support of a "guaranteed protector" within the E.U., but this dynamic has shifted following Poland's recent parliamentary elections. The liberal opposition's rise to power in Poland has diminished Hungary's assurance of protection within the bloc.

While some European officials are hesitant to resort to Article 7, others are intent on making the potential consequences of Hungary's isolation clear to Prime Minister Orbán. The hope is that by highlighting the full costs of Hungary's resistance, Orbán will reconsider and willingly endorse the aid package for Ukraine.

Nevertheless, there exists an alternative solution, should the efforts to secure Hungary's support fail. The rest of the E.U.'s member states could potentially make an independent agreement to provide aid to Ukraine without Hungary's involvement. However, the Financial Times cautions that this alternative would only serve as a short-term fix.

The aid package, if approved and implemented, would undoubtedly provide critical assistance to Ukraine in its efforts to stabilize its economy and address ongoing challenges. However, the decision of invoking Article 7 against Hungary remains a contentious issue and will require further deliberation among European officials in the coming weeks.