The European Comission has initiated an infringment procedure against Hungary due the sovereignty protection law
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BRUSSELS – The European Commission has taken the first step in formal infringement proceedings against Hungary, citing grave concerns over the country’s recently enacted Sovereignty Protection Law. The Commission’s in-depth assessment concluded that the legislation conflicts with European Union law and directly undermines fundamental rights enshrined in the EU Charter.
Key Areas of Concern
Privacy and Personal Data:
The law is worded in a manner that could pave the way for excessive and unchecked state surveillance of Hungarian citizens. This overreach far exceeds what is considered proportionate or necessary within a democratic society. Furthermore, critics fear the law will enable systematic misuse of personal data gathered by Hungarian authorities, a violation of guaranteed privacy rights within the EU framework.
Freedom of Expression and Information:
The Sovereignty Protection Law contains specific provisions that risk hindering essential activities carried out by independent media outlets and non-governmental organizations. Such organizations play a critical role in providing public scrutiny and holding those in power accountable. Opposition voices and civil society actors fear the law’s implementation could lead to suppression of dissent and censorship.
EU Democratic Values:
The law threatens the fundamental democratic principles on which the European Union is founded. Provisions directly target electoral rights for EU citizens living in Hungary. Additionally, restrictions on freedom of association and movement raise red flags within the EU, as these freedoms are deemed vital to safeguarding fair trials, the rule of law, and overall democratic function.
Next Steps and Potential Consequences
Hungary now has a period of two months to formally address the substantial issues raised by the Commission. Failure to provide a response addressing EU concerns in a satisfactory manner could result in the European Commission escalating the case to the European Court of Justice. The ECJ holds the power to impose significant financial penalties should it find Hungary in violation of EU law.
A Pattern of Conflict
This recent development underscores the deeply rooted and escalating rift between Hungary and the European Union. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government has faced repeated criticism from member states and EU institutions over the gradual erosion of democratic norms and consolidation of centralized power. The Hungarian government often casts such actions as necessary to protect national sovereignty. However, EU officials view these maneuvers as undermining the bloc’s values and potentially destabilizing the entire European project. This latest legal confrontation foreshadows an uncertain future for Hungary’s relationship with the EU.