The European Union is taking Hungary’s right-wing government to court challenging “sovereignty protection” laws enacted last December that empower Hungarian authorities to investigate and prosecute individuals and organisations accused of undermining the country’s sovereignty. The controversial law resulted in a government body authorised to collect data on groups or individuals that might benefit from foreign funding, thereby influencing public debate.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government insists that the new legislation was introduced to prevent Hungarian political parties from receiving funding from abroad for election campaigns. Opponents, however, claim the measures are no different than Russia’s “foreign agent” law, which considers anyone receiving financial support from abroad as agents of another country. In Hungary, those opposed to the new law maintain that the legislative language is deliberately broad, so that the authorities there can target government critics arbitrarily, especially NGOs and members of the media. Those found to be in violation of the new measures are liable to prison sentences of up to three years.
The referral to the court action is the latest move in the contentious relationship between Brussels and Budapest. Most recently, Hungary, as current holders of the EU’s rotating presidency, caused dismay among partner members when, at the onset of its presidential term. Prime Minister Orbán unilaterally took it upon himself to visit Moscow to discuss prospects for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine with President Vladimir Putin.
