The European Parliament has adopted a new resolution on Hungary’s state of EU values. The resolution expresses several concerns, particularly in light of the upcoming elections and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council. It denounces serious deficiencies related to the justice system, anti-corruption and conflicts of interest, media freedom, fundamental rights, the constitutional and electoral system, the functioning of civil society, the protection of the EU’s financial interests, and compliance with the single market principles.
Parliament has condemned the adoption of the Protection of National Sovereignty Act and establishing the Sovereignty Protection Office (SPO). The SPO has “extensive powers and a strict system of surveillance and sanctions, which fundamentally violates standards of democracy and breaches multiple EU laws”.
MEPs have asked the Commission to request interim measures from the EU Court of Justice to suspend the law immediately, as it affects the principle of free and fair elections.
In addition, they deplore the Commission’s decision to release up to €10.2 billion frozen EU funds, citing the recent leaked revelations by Hungary’s former minister of justice. MEPs believe the Commission should revoke the disbursement of EU funds, stressing that it is incomprehensible to release funds, citing improvements to the independence of the judiciary. In contrast, funds covered by different EU laws remain blocked due to ongoing deficiencies in the same field.
MEPs reiterate the need to determine whether Hungary has committed “serious and persistent breaches of EU values” under the more direct procedure of Article 7(2) instead of the Article 7(1) process that Parliament initiated in 2018 and that remains blocked in the Council.
MEPs also worry that the Hungarian Government will be unable to credibly fulfil its duties in the Council presidency in the second half of 2024. They call for a comprehensive mechanism to protect EU values.
