Fundamental rights violated?

EU initiates new proceedings against Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban

(Bild: AFP)

The Hungarian government wants to prevent "foreign interference" and has planned a law to this end - the EU Commission has now initiated new proceedings against Hungary on suspicion of massive violations of fundamental rights. Brussels sees a Hungarian government authority created for this purpose to monitor state "sovereignty" as a means of restricting freedom of expression and other European fundamental rights in Hungary.

The authority, which is enshrined in the constitution, has the task of "identifying and investigating organizations that receive funding from abroad and aim to influence the will of voters". According to the Commission, the "Law on the Protection of Sovereignty" and the authority set up at the end of January restrict, among other things, "the right to the protection of personal data, freedom of expression and information, freedom of association and the right to vote of EU citizens", according to a statement from Brussels. The government in Budapest now has two months to respond to the allegations.

Violations deprive Hungary of funds
In the worst case scenario, Hungary could face legal action before the European Court of Justice and possible fines. Around 20 billion euros in EU aid for Hungary is currently frozen due to various violations of fundamental rights, such as asylum law.

Hungary takes over the EU Council Presidency in July 
Monika Vana, head of the Austrian Greens' delegation in the European Parliament, welcomed the so-called Article 7 procedure against Hungary, but criticized that it came "very late". "For years, Viktor Orban has continued to systematically undermine the rule of law, silencing civil society and members of the opposition through recent legislative changes and undermining minority rights," said Vana in a statement. The Hungarian prime minister must be stripped of the presidency of the Council of the EU (Hungary takes over on July 1) and "all available means must be exhausted to ensure the rule of law", she demanded.