European Commission Takes Legal Action Against Hungary Over Controversial Sovereignty Law
On October 3, the European Commission announced its decision to bring Hungary before the European Court of Justice regarding a controversial piece of legislation known as the Defense of Sovereignty. Critics argue that this law resembles similar actions taken by the Russian government aimed at repressing dissent from opposition figures.
The Commission, which serves as the executive arm of the European Union (EU), argued that the law, which led to the establishment of a Sovereignty Protection Office, is in violation of EU legislation. The stated goal of this office is to protect Hungary's sovereignty from perceived foreign influence. However, the Commission's actions suggest otherwise, indicating significant breaches of the EU’s democratic values and fundamental rights.
This situation arose after Hungary's parliament, under the control of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's right-wing Fidesz party, passed the law with relative ease. In February, the Commission had launched an infringement procedure against Hungary, citing concerns over the potential undermining of EU principles.
Despite Hungary's government responding to the Commission's objections, the European body maintained that many of the identified issues remain unaddressed. The Commission's statement highlighted that the risk this law poses to democratic freedoms and human rights has not been adequately mitigated by the Hungarian authorities.
Since taking office in 2010, Orbán has fostered a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and deepened Hungary's ties with both Russia and China. Concurrently, there have been significant constraints on media freedom and the rule of law within Hungary, prompting Brussels to implement punitive measures against the country.
The Hungarian government has repeatedly asserted that Brussels and Washington are financing domestic opposition groups to manipulate voter sentiment during elections. This assertion has been met with skepticism and concern from various Western governments, human rights organizations, and media advocacy groups.
The Defense of Sovereignty law has faced widespread criticism for its resemblance to Russia's foreign agents legislation, which has been utilized by the Kremlin in recent years to suppress dissent and target political adversaries.
In November, Dunja Mijatovic, the Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe, called on the Hungarian government to repeal the legislation, citing its potential to significantly infringe on human rights. Similarly, in December, the Committee to Protect Journalists cautioned Hungary's president against signing the bill, highlighting that it shares detrimental characteristics with Russian-style laws and should not be permitted in a nation that is a member of the EU.
Moreover, the US State Department expressed serious concerns regarding the actions of the Sovereignty Protection Office, stating on June 27 that the law posed a considerable threat to the human rights and basic freedoms of Hungarian citizens.
The European Court of Justice holds the authority to compel EU member states to adhere to EU laws and can impose penalties should Hungary fail to comply.
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