European Parliament: Hungary under Orbán increasingly diverges from EU course

The Hungarian government, led by the conservative Fidesz party, is accused in the report of systematically undermining European values. According to the working group, these values are shared by most other EU countries. The group mentions, among other things, the restriction of minority rights, limitations on press freedom, and the exclusion of independent organizations. 

Prime Minister Orbán has voted against numerous EU proposals for years. According to the working group, he repeatedly blocked sanctions against Russia and the provision of aid to Ukraine. He also opposed EU statements condemning Moscow. This has led to frustration among European government leaders and to strong reactions in the European Parliament.

Support is growing in several EU countries for the proposal to put financial pressure on Hungary. According to proponents of this approach, the EU could withhold money from European funds as long as Hungary deviates from the common course.

The working group is led by Dutch MEP Tineke Strik (GreenLeft/ Labour). After the visit to Hungary, she said the country is "rapidly moving in the wrong direction." According to her, the report shows a serious decline in the rule of law, the independence of judges, and the protection of minorities. These developments, she argues, justify intervention by the EU.

During the working group’s visit to Hungary, several meetings with government officials were refused. Pro-government parties in the European Parliament also did not cooperate. According to the working group, this indicates a lack of willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation from the Hungarian authorities.

The spokesperson for the Hungarian government called the working group’s visit an example of “EU interference” and stated that members of the European Parliament are not acting objectively.