The European Parliament yesterday adopted a resolution addressing concerns regarding the state of EU values in Hungary, and in particular condemned the country’s new Sovereignty Protection Office.

With the impending elections and Hungary’s forthcoming Presidency of the European Council, the resolution highlighted numerous areas of apprehension.

The resolution evaluated the state of democracy in Hungary, identifying various deficiencies.

Significant shortcomings across multiple domains were highlighted, including the justice system, anti-corruption measures, conflicts of interest, media freedom, fundamental rights, the constitutional and electoral systems, the functioning of civil society, the protection of the EU’s financial interests, and compliance with single market principles.

Of particular concern to Parliament is the establishment of the Sovereignty Protection Office (SPO) and the enactment of the Protection of National Sovereignty Act in Hungary.

Parliament condemned these actions, characterising them as constituting a “persistent systemic and deliberate breach” of EU values.

The SPO’s extensive powers and its surveillance and sanctioning mechanisms were deemed incompatible with democratic standards and in violation of multiple EU laws.

Consequently, Parliament called on the Commission to seek interim measures from the EU Court of Justice to suspend the law, citing its adverse impact on the principle of free and fair elections.

Parliament also expressed disappointment with the European Commission’s decision to release up to €10.2 billion in frozen EU funds to Hungary.

This decision prompted Parliament to appeal to the EU Court of Justice.

The resolution highlighted leaked revelations by Hungary’s former minister of justice, suggesting that the Commission should reconsider the disbursement of EU funds.

MEPs emphasised the inconsistency of releasing funds while ongoing deficiencies persist in areas covered by different EU laws.

Moreover, the resolution stressed the need to assess whether Hungary has engaged in “serious and persistent breaches of EU values” under Article 7(2), as opposed to the Article 7(1) process initiated by Parliament in 2018, which remains stalled in the Council.

Concerns were raised regarding Hungary’s ability to fulfill its duties credibly during its Presidency of the Council in the second half of 2024. Consequently, MEPs reiterated the call for a comprehensive mechanism to safeguard EU values.

In summary, the resolution adopted by the European Parliament underscores a range of concerns regarding the state of EU values in Hungary.

It highlights deficiencies across various sectors and criticises specific actions taken by the Hungarian government, such as the establishment of the SPO and the release of frozen EU funds.

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