On Tuesday in Strasbourg, the European Parliament adopted a new interim report stating that the situation regarding democracy, rule of law, and fundamental rights in Hungary is worsening. Previous concerns, according to the report, have not been resolved but have deepened.
Dutch MEP Tineke Strik (GreenLeft) played a central role in the investigation as rapporteur. As special Hungary rapporteur, she emphasizes that European countries really need to take action now. According to Strik and her four co-rapporteurs, the situation only becomes more serious as long as EU governments are content with mere lip service.
The criticism is not limited to Hungary itself. The lack of firm action by European governments has contributed to the further deterioration. By doing nothing for a long time, problems around the rule of law have been allowed to grow further, Strik observes in her report.
The decline in Hungary is not seen solely as a domestic issue. By adopting this report, the European Parliament warns that the situation in Hungary poses a risk to shared values and the stability of the European Union as a whole. Hungary is moving increasingly toward authoritarian rule. Elections still exist, but important safeguards that protect a democracy are becoming weaker and weaker.
The European Commission and EU governments have failed, politicians note. ‘The lack of decisive action by the Commission and the Council against Hungary has allowed a continuing erosion of democracy and the rule of law. The EU cannot allow Hungary to further decline into autocracy. Any further delay by the Council would be contrary to the values the institution claims to defend.’
An important point is the shrinking space for independent media. Critical media have fewer and fewer opportunities, and civil society organizations experience great pressure. This makes it more difficult for Hungarian citizens to freely inform themselves or organize. Additionally, restrictions on peaceful protests are mentioned.
The use of EU funds is also explicitly addressed in the EP report. It states that financial support is not automatic and can even be completely frozen if the situation does not improve. The linkage between European subsidies and respect for fundamental rights plays an important role in this.
Finally, the discussion about Article 7 regarding temporary suspension comes up again. The Parliament stresses that it must be possible to withdraw Hungary’s voting rights within EU meetings if the country continues to refuse to improve the situation. With this, the Parliament wants to increase pressure to enforce changes.