Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU Commission warns of potential action against Hungary should Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government enact a contentious bill limiting non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The European Union has insisted that Hungary retract a contentious draft law designed to restrict foreign financing of NGOs and media organizations as part of a renewed political effort to combat foreign interference.
As reported by Euronews, critics worry that the draft Hungarian bill named “Transparency of Public Life,” presented to the Budapest parliament on May 13, could grant the Hungarian government extensive authority to suppress the press and dissenting voices in civil society.
The legislation would allow authorities to list foreign-funded NGOs and media deemed threats to national sovereignty, permitting them to freeze funding. Heavy fines are anticipated if foreign funds persist.
Why is the EU concerned about Hungary’s draft law?
“The Commission has great concerns with this draft. If adopted as it is, it would constitute a serious breach of EU principles and law. Therefore, we ask that this draft be withdrawn from the legislative process,”
the European Commission spokesperson said in a statement.
“We will not hesitate to take the necessary action if this draft is adopted,”
the spokesperson stated.
“The Commission places great importance on the role of civil society and remains committed to protecting the freedom of association and fostering an enabling environment for its work across the EU, including as regards access to funding,”
the spokesperson also said.
The spokesperson mentioned that last year, the Commission brought Hungary before the Court of Justice of the EU, believing that the law creating the Sovereignty Office and its investigative functions violates EU law.
Why does Hungary claim the law is justified?
The Hungarian government stated that in 2022, opposition politicians utilized several million dollars in foreign funding to campaign against the administration. Speaking in Budapest following a recent European Parliament debate on Hungary, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó emphasized that the government is steadfast in its refusal to retreat from the law.
“They’re right to be concerned, but for the wrong reason,”
he stated, adding:
“They shouldn’t worry about the transparency law but about foreign interference in the political life of an EU country.”
