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The European Commission issued a stern warning to Hungary on Saturday, demanding the government abandon proposed legislation that would impose new restrictions on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and independent media outlets.
The draft "Transparency in Public Life" bill has sparked fierce opposition from critics who view it as another step in Prime Minister Viktor Orban's campaign to consolidate control over Hungarian civil society. The legislation would grant the government authority to blacklist organizations it deems threatening to national sovereignty through foreign-funded influence operations.
Hungary's nationalist government defends the measure as necessary to dismantle what it calls a foreign-funded "propaganda network" operating within the country's borders.
The European Commission, however, warned it "would not hesitate to take the necessary action if this draft is adopted," characterizing the proposed law as "a serious breach of EU principles and law."
The commission emphasized its commitment to "protecting the freedom of association and fostering an enabling environment for its work across the EU."
Public opposition to the legislation erupted last Sunday when tens of thousands of demonstrators filled Budapest's streets in protest. The proposed law represents the latest friction point between Hungary and its European Union partners over democratic governance and rule of law standards.
Under Orban's leadership, Hungary has systematically expanded government oversight of judicial institutions, media companies, and civil society organizations, prompting repeated clashes with EU officials who accuse Budapest of undermining democratic norms.
The brewing confrontation has already cost Hungary financially. European lawmakers this month called for Brussels to freeze all funding to the country, citing restrictions on fundamental freedoms and democratic backsliding that violate EU laws and values.
The bloc has already withheld approximately €19 billion ($20 billion) in designated Hungarian funding over concerns, including corruption allegations and media independence violations.
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