EC launches infringement procedure against Hungary over ‘Stop Soros’ laws

The European Commission has launched an infringement procedure against Hungary over its recently passed “Stop Soros” package of laws.

EC spokesperson Mina Andreeva told a press briefing on Thursday that the commission has sent the Hungarian government a letter of formal notice concerning the “Stop Soros” laws and related constitutional amendments.

The EC has given the Hungarian authorities two months to respond to its concerns.

The Hungarian parliament passed the contested laws in June, aimed at penalising the “promotion or organisation of illegal migration”.

The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe earlier criticised some passages in the new legislation, arguing that they would seriously hinder the operation of legitimate civil groups.

Also on Thursday, the EC said it will take Hungary to the Court of Justice of the European Union over the country’s asylum law, initiating the third phase of the ongoing infringement procedure in connection with that legislation. The infringement procedure was launched in December 2015.

Fidesz

Ruling Fidesz said in reaction that the latest infringement procedure confirmed that that Brussels supported migration and “is protecting the Soros organisations”.

“The Stop Soros law and the constitutional amendment prohibiting the settlement of migrants in Hungary stand in their way, this is why they launched the procedure,” the party said in a statement. “

As long as the Fidesz-Christian Democrat alliance is in government, Stop Soros and the constitutional amendment will remain intact, because the Hungarian people have made it clear that they do not want Hungary to be made into a country of immigrants,” they added.

Jobbik

Conservative Jobbik called the infringement procedure “unacceptable” and said that Hungary had not enacted any measures incompatible with its duty to protect the European Union’s external borders. Jobbik added, at the same time, that the “Stop Soros” law alone would not be enough to curb migration. Migration can only be combatted by enacting strict measures at a national level, Jobbik said, adding that this was why they have proposed the establishment of an independent border guard.

Source: MTI