European Commission accuses Hungary of flouting European laws and democratic values
Budapest has two months to prepare a response, otherwise Brussels is preparing further measures
The European Commission has officially notified Hungary that the law on the protection of national sovereignty adopted by Budapest last December contradicts the fundamental values of the European Union.
Source. Bloomberg writes about it.
According to the EC's statement, "the Commission considers that this Hungarian legislation violates several provisions of primary and secondary EU legislation".
The law violates, in particular, fundamental EU values such as democratic values, the right to a fair trial, data protection and other rights.
The official notification of the EC is the first step, which may be followed by a potential lawsuit. Budapest has two months to prepare a response. Subsequently, the European Commission may issue a "reasoned opinion".
The law on the protection of national sovereignty was adopted on 12 December last year. The ruling Fidesz party justified its adoption by the need to protect against unlawful political interference by foreign individuals or organisations.
The law provides for the formation of a special structure – the so-called Sovereignty Defence Office – to study and monitor such risks.
The law also contains provisions and amendments to Hungarian law that prohibit candidates, political parties and associations running in elections from using foreign funding to influence public opinion in elections.
The financing of parties or groups running for election by foreign persons may, inter alia, result in a prison sentence of up to three years.
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