EC threatened Hungary: ‘We will introduce measures if you are voted on the law against non -governmental organizations!’
The European Commission has threatened measures against Hungary if the Government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbána is adopting a controversial law limiting the work of non -governmental organizations (NGO). The introduction of a « transparency in public life » laws would impose strict regulations with non -governmental organizations funded from abroad, which are considered to be a risk for the sovereignty of Hungary.
The draft of the law, which was filed by the Hungarian parliament by Orbán’s Conservative nationalist Party of Fidesz, is a serious violation of the EU rights, according to the Commission. This executive body of the European Union invited to withdraw the draft from the legislative process.
If the law is adopted as expected, the Commission, headed by European Commission President Ursul von der Leyen, announced that she would not hesitate to take the necessary measures. The Commission may initiate special procedures due to such breach of violation, resulting in high penalties for Member States that do not adhere to the EU rights.
Non -governmental organizations are threatened to dissolve
Comparable to a valid legislation in Russia, the draft law allows non -governmental organizations funded from abroad that can influence public opinion on a black list. These organizations can then receive material support from abroad only with the approval of the tax administration of the country they operate.
If a non -governmental organization is funded in other ways, it must pay the state 25 times the amount as a fine, otherwise it will be dissolved and prohibited. Non -governmental organizations are organizations that, regardless of governments, are struggling for human rights, environment or health and other aspects of public life. Known examples include borderless doctors (MSF), Amnesty International and Greenpeace.
Orbán, who has repeatedly clashed with the EU during his 15 years at the helm of Hungary, is under increasing pressure at home before the parliamentary elections in April next year.
Péter Magyar, a political novice and a premiere from the Prime Minister’s Party in power, appeared as a conservative challenger whose new party Tisza has been dominated for months by public opinion polls in front of Orbán Fidesz.
