Protecting sovereignty: European Commission takes further action against Hungary That was the problem with the Boeing incident – investigative authority with report

The European Commission again accuses Hungary of violating European law with a law and therefore initiates proceedings.

The Defense of National Sovereignty Law was recently adopted in Budapest violates, among other things, the principles of democracy, freedom of expression and freedom of association, the Brussels government announced on Wednesday. She therefore asked Hungary for an explanation and thus started a so-called infringement procedure.

The law passed in December created a new “Office for the Protection of Sovereignty” to monitor possible threats to Hungary from abroad. The existing ban on party financing from abroad has been extended to clubs and other organizations. Those responsible for these organizations that attempt to hide financial sources from abroad also face three years in prison.

Hungary must now respond to the allegations within two months. If the country cannot refute this, the European Commission can take legal action against Hungary at the European Court of Justice. If convicted, the country could face a fine if it continues to comply with the law.

It is not the first time that the European Commission, which is responsible for enforcing EU law, has initiated proceedings against the country over concerns about the state of the rule of law. However, in December it also released ten billion euros in frozen assets for Hungary, on the grounds that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had implemented the necessary reforms. (rbu/sda/dpa)