Clash looming: EU Commission insists Hungary rescinds the proposed transparency bill
The European Commission takes a firm stance against a potential clash with the Hungarian government over a highly contentious bill. The draft legislation, if passed, would tighten restrictions on foreign funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media outlets in Hungary, sparking concerns about freedom of expression and potential breaches of EU principles.
In response, the European Commission has urged the Hungarian authorities to withdraw the bill, denouncing it as a serious violation of EU laws and principles if enacted. A Commission representative told our publication that if the law is implemented as currently drafted, it would represent a substantial breach of European values, including democracy, rule of law, and freedom of association.
This stance echoes the European Commission's emphasis on the crucial role of civil society and its commitment to defending the right of association and fostering an enabling environment for this sector across the EU. The spokesperson also recalled that last year, the Commission referred Hungary to the European Court of Justice due to concerns that the law establishing the Sovereignty Office was in contravention of EU legislation.
The draft Hungarian law, named "Transparency of Public Life," was introduced on May 13 in parliament. Critics fear that, if passed, the legislation would grant the Hungarian government extensive powers to suppress critical voices within civil society and press freedom. The law would enable the government to monitor and potentially freeze the funding of foreign-backed NGOs and media deemed a threat to national sovereignty.
Organizations such as MEPs and NGOs have strongly criticized the bill, arguing it will further curtail freedom of expression in Hungary. To date, over 80 European newspapers and media outlets have signed a letter voicing their opposition to the law, while more than 320 civil society organizations have called on the European Commission to take immediate action.
In the midst of this debate, the Hungarian government has shown no signs of backing down on the draft law, which is part of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's "Spring Clean" campaign. Fidesz, Orbán's ruling party, maintains that foreign actors, such as USAID funds and the European Commission, interfere in Hungarian politics through funding NGOs and media outlets.
This week, MEPs join the criticism, calling on the European Commission to immediately cut EU funding for Hungary due to alleged backsliding on the rule of law by the government of Premier Viktor Orbán. This comes as Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó emphasized the government's unwillingness to drop the proposed law during a recent European Parliament debate on Hungary.
The matter is set to be discussed by EU ministers in Brussels during a General Affairs Council meeting on Tuesday, where the potential application of Article 7 sanctions against Hungary will likely be a key topic.
[1] Source: Reuters[2] Source: Deutsche Welle[3] Source: New Europe[4] Source: Politico[5] Source: European Union Commission Press Release dated May 30, 2023.
- The European Commission's stance against the Hungarian government's bill on foreign funding for NGOs and media outlets is rooted in concerns about freedom of expression and potential breaches of EU principles.
- Critics argue that the Hungarian government's proposed "Transparency of Public Life" draft law, if passed, would grant extensive powers to suppress critical voices within civil society and press freedom.
- MEPs and NGOs have strongly criticized the bill, claiming it will further curtail freedom of expression in Hungary and have called on the European Commission to take immediate action.
- The matter of EU ministers discussing potential Article 7 sanctions against Hungary due to allegations of backsliding on the rule of law by Premier Viktor Orbán's government will likely be a key topic during a General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels this week.
