Twenty-six MEPs from all political groups wrote to the European Commission on Tuesday 20 May, calling on it to freeze all funding to Hungary as “Orbán continues to dismantle the rule of law”.
Led by Greens/EFA MEP Daniel Freund (German), they urge “the European Commission to increase pressure on Viktor Orbán’s government to cease violating EU values and EU laws by immediately suspending all EU funding for Hungary”, even though the EU is currently withholding €18 billion in funds.
The MEPs cite the law criminalising any participation in Budapest Pride, the law on sovereignty and foreign interference, and attacks on the independence of the judiciary.
MEPs also debated, on 21 May, the situation in Hungary as part of an item added to the agenda of the European Parliament’s mini-plenary session. On this occasion, the Polish Minister for European Affairs, Adam Szłapka, reiterated that the Rule of law remains a priority for the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. Taking “note of recent developments” in Hungary, such as the development of the so-called Sovereignty Law, which is reportedly still targeting NGOs, he pointed out that the country will be auditioned by its European peers on 27 May under Article 7 of the EU Treaty. “This will be an essential opportunity to debate the Hungarian question”, added the minister. Report. On 20 May, the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties also adopted its 2024 annual report on the rule of law (50 votes in favour, 18 against and 4 abstentions). It calls for a firmer and more consistent application of democratic principles.
To avoid any backsliding, the text calls for an “ever more comprehensive toolbox”, complemented by a “smart conditionality” mechanism to ensure that the suspension of European funds cannot be misused against civil society and local authorities.
Among the worrying developments identified this year, the MEPs note the restrictions on the right of assembly and the rapidly shrinking civic space. They are also calling for better protection of vulnerable groups against discrimination, in particular LGBTIQ people.
Links to the letter and the report: https://aeur.eu/f/gxh ; https://aeur.eu/f/gxq (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)