EU Challenges Hungary: 'Protection of Sovereignty' Law Under Threat.

Hungary's 'Protection of Sovereignty' law, which allows the state to investigate activities of organizations funded from abroad, is being contested in the European Union's highest court by the European Commission.

The Commission claims that this law, passed in December 2023, violates rights such as privacy, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the presumption of innocence, reports Euractiv.

'Hungary's law creates a national body with the powers to investigate any activity financed from abroad that could affect election outcomes, voter preferences, or supports such activities,' cites the Commission.

The European Commission believes that the investigation powers of this body are 'very broad' and 'intrusive', especially in the context of access to information.

The investigation could affect 'various individuals and organizations, including NGOs, media, and journalists', the Commission's statement noted.

On February 7, Brussels filed the first official objections - officially called 'infringement proceedings.'

Typically, the procedure in which the Commission contests national laws it believes to violate EU law begins with a complex and bureaucratic exchange between Brussels and the country's government. The government usually resolves disputes before court proceedings arise.

Such violations continue across many EU countries, with the Commission publishing them in large batches each month.

However, if the Commission believes that its concerns are not addressed, it can file a complaint with the Court of Justice of the European Union - the highest court in the EU.

If the EU Court of Justice finds that Hungary has violated EU law, fines may be imposed. In June, Hungary was fined by the EU Court members for its treatment of migrants and refugees.