26/01/2022 (Agence Europe) – The French Secretary of State for European Affairs, Clément Beaune, considered that it would be “ineffective” to hold a vote in the Council of the European Union, even with a super majority of Member States, to establish that the Rule of law had been violated in Hungary or Poland in the context of the so-called ‘Article 7’ procedures of the Treaty opened against these two countries, on Wednesday 26 January, during an exchange with the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs. Some countries insist on voting; others are sceptical, if not reluctant, noting that the ‘Article 7’ procedure cannot succeed because of the unanimity blockage, he added. The French Presidency of the EU Council will organise “hearings” on 22 February for Poland and 30 May for Hungary. (see EUROPE 12862/11). (MB)