The Hungarian government wants to prevent ‘foreign interference’ and has planned a law to that end. The European Commission has now launched new proceedings against Hungary on suspicion of massive violations of fundamental rights. Brussels sees a Hungarian government agency created for this purpose to control the “sovereignty” of the state as a means to restrict freedom of expression and other fundamental European rights in Hungary.
The constitutionally enshrined authority is tasked with “identifying and investigating organizations that receive funding from abroad and aim to influence the will of voters.” According to the Commission, the ‘Law for the Protection of Sovereignty’ and the authority established 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’. , said a statement from Brussels. The government in Budapest now has two months to respond to the allegations.
Violations deprive Hungary of financial resources
In the most extreme case, Hungary faces a lawsuit at the European Court of Justice and possible fines. Due to various violations of fundamental rights, such as asylum law, around €20 billion in EU aid to Hungary is currently frozen.
Hungary will take over the presidency of the EU Council in July
Monika Vana, head of the Austrian Greens delegation to the European Parliament, welcomed the so-called Article 7 procedure against Hungary but criticized it as coming “very late”. “For years, Viktor Orban has continued to systematically undermine the rule of law, silence civil society and opposition members through recent legal changes, and undermine the rights of minorities,” Vana said in a statement. The Hungarian Prime Minister should be stripped of the Council presidency (Hungary will take over on July 1, take note) and “all available means should be exhausted to ensure the rule of law,” she demanded.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
