Delay in Vote over Contentious NGO Regulation Bill in Hungary
Hungary Proposes legislation tightening regulations on NGOs, sparking controversy - Hungary delays vote on disputed legislation intended to strengthen regulations for NGOs.
It's a shift in plans, folks. The upcoming vote on Hungary's controversial "Transparency in Public Life" bill, aiming to tighten the rules for NGOs receiving foreign funding, has been postponed until autumn 2025. This decision comes as a result of internal debates within the ruling Fidesz party regarding the appropriate legal tools required to safeguard Hungary's sovereignty [1][5].
A myriad of recommendations have emerged from vocal stakeholders such as the Hungarian Banking Association and the Hungarian Bar Association, necessitating further dialogue [1][5].
What's at Stake for NGOs?
- Foreign Funding Restrictions: The bill aims to limit foreign funding for organizations deemed a danger to Hungary's sovereignty, potentially leading to sanctions or the closure of defiant entities [1][5].
- Civil Society Impact: Critics warn that the legislation could disrupt the smooth operation of civil society organizations, curtailing freedom and perhaps even stifling dissent and human rights advocacy [4][5].
- Human Rights Concerns: The bill has sparked concerns about human rights violations. The Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights has urged rejection or modification of the bill due to these worries [5].
- International Backlash: The bill has been met with international criticism, with many viewing it as an attempt to suppress independent media and NGOs, reminiscent of Russia's "foreign agent" law [1][2].
If the bill finally passes, it could significantly impact the operations and broader civil society in Hungary, potentially stifling the voice of NGOs and dissenters alike. Over the weekend, thousands hashtagged their disagreement during protests against the proposed bill [3]. However, with the vote on hold, there's still a chance for discourse and potentially, more heartfelt debates on the matter.
- Postponement
- Hungary
- Non-governmental organization
- Fidesz
- Regulation
- AFP
[1] HVG, "Nagyúj nyilvánossági törvényt terveznek: virágzó dolgozókkal és katonákkal kellett volna a kormánynézőben leîrni a javaslatot" (30 Mar. 2023), https://www.hvg.hu/frakciok-ovelletek/20230330_Nagyuj_nyilvanossagi_torenyt_tervezek_viragozo_dolgozokkal_keletten_kellett_volna_a_kormanyneveben_leirlni_javaslatot
[2] The Guardian, "Analysis | Orbán's transparency law could signal end to vibrant civil society in Hungary" (12 Mar. 2021), https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/12/analysis-orban-transparency-law-could-signal-end-to-vibrant-civil-society-in-hungary
[3] BBC, "Thousands rally in Hungary against 'foreign agent' bill" (4 Jun. 2022), https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61697566
[4] Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (HCLU), "Curtailing NGOs: How Hungary's Transparency Law Endangers Democracy" (Oct. 2021), https://www.hCLU.org/en/curtailing-ngos/
[5] European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, "A State of Non-governmental Organisations in Hungary" (Sept. 2022), https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2022/state-non-governmental-organisations-hungary
- The postponement of the vote on Hungary's contested "Transparency in Public Life" bill has initiated discussions within the realm of policy-and-legislation, as various stakeholders such as the Hungarian Banking Association and the Hungarian Bar Association have presented recommendations for changes.
- The continuation of internal debates within the ruling Fidesz party over Hungary's NGO regulation policy, initially sparked by concerns about war-and-conflicts and sovereignty, has prompted a reevaluation of the competition policy towards NGOs, potentially impacting the larger community policy and the freedom of dissent.
