European Commission warns of threats to NGOs in Hungary

MTI – The European Commission’s annual Rule of Law Report monitors the framework for civil society and specific threats against civil society organisations, the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law said in a plenary session of the European Parliament on Tuesday.

European Commission

In his address during the debate on the EC’s 2024 Rule of Law Report, Michael McGrath said a proactive approach was needed for promoting and defending the rule of law.

The report has bolstered mutual trust among member states and “shaped a better shared understanding of how to cultivate an environment in which the rule of law can thrive.”

He said the report was based on a “well-established and transparent methodology” and was the result of close cooperation with national authorities and consultations with a wide range of stakeholders including civil society organisations.

Over the years, the report has also responded to new developments and challenges, the commissioner said, adding that it also covers the framework for civil society and threats against civil society organisations.

Fidesz

András László, an MEP of Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party, accused the European Union of “making a mockery of the rule of law”.

He said the EP’s “left-liberal majority” was demanding that all funds owed to Hungary be frozen. He said Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wanted to help get the opposition Tisza Party into power and were “colluding to bring about a change of government”.

Fidesz’s Csaba Dömötör said that while the Rule of Law Report “judges member states’ decisions, it fails to mention the scandals linked to EU institutions”.