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Al JazeeraJan 29
EU Begins Legal Action Against Hungary's 'Sovereignty' Law
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The Facts
The European Commission sent a formal notice to Hungary on Wednesday, the first legal step in what could become a lawsuit in the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), informing that recently enacted legislation on "protecting national sovereignty" allegedly violates the bloc's democratic values and fundamental rights.
This comes as Hungary's Sovereignty Protection Act established a new office to investigate foreign-funded organizations that may influence elections and conduct activities likely to violate or jeopardize the sovereignty of the country while criminalizing the acceptance of foreign campaign donations.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Hungary has long clashed with EU laws and values, namely freedom of expression and the establishment of an independent judiciary. This law deserves the highest level of scrutiny, as it will likely be used to monitor and suppress Hungarian citizens and businesses who don't toe the party line. The EU will be forced to step in and protect them if Hungary continues to move toward undemocratic policies.
Establishment-critical narrative
Hungary seems to be operating under a double standard, as the EU never punishes Western countries, even when they commit egregious human rights violations. Other countries seem to go unscathed because they're willing to comply in addition to claiming to have similar views on certain issues, including gender ideology, immigration, and war. The EU should stay out of Hungary's business.
