The Hungarian government’s closest EU ally in its “illiberal” politics, Poland, vowed on Wednesday to protect Hungary against EU sanctions handed down by European institutions. The statement followed the European Parliament’s approval of the Sargentini report. The report on the health of democracy in Hungary recommends triggering a sanctions procedure against the country over its violations of EU values and the rule of law. Read our detailed analysis here. The statement comes after the European Commission initiated the same rule of law procedure against Poland.