The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on European Union (EU) leaders to take a firm stance against a controversial bill proposed by the Hungarian government. This bill seeks to impose significant restrictions on organizations that receive foreign funding, which includes nonprofit entities and independent media outlets. The proposal has raised serious concerns regarding its potential impact on press freedom and the broader democratic framework in Hungary.
Tom Gibson, the Deputy Advocacy Director at CPJ, emphasized the bill’s implications, describing it as a “chilling signal” that could drastically undermine press freedom by enabling the government to wield unrestrained power. According to Gibson, the proposal is tantamount to “Hungary’s complete abandonment of its responsibilities as a member of the European Union,” urging European leaders to respond with swift action. More details on Gibson’s remarks can be found on the CPJ website.
The proposed legislation empowers the Sovereignty Protection Office in Hungary to create a register of organizations that receive foreign support, ostensibly for threatening the nation’s sovereignty. Alarmingly, this broad classification could encompass donations as low as €5, even from EU sources. This could lead to severe penalties for organizations accepting funds without explicit permission. Learn more about the proposed bill on the JURIST website.
Médiafórum, the Association of Independent Media Outlets, has criticized the bill for intentionally defining threats to sovereignty in overly broad terms. This definition targets media organizations and any foreign-funded activities that allegedly damage Hungary’s democracy, constitutional identity, family life, or Christian values. Further insights are available on the Médiafórum website.
The bill’s introduction followed a speech by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during the commemoration of the 1848-49 revolution and war of independence. There, he expressed a commitment to dismantle what he described as a financial machine driven by “corrupt dollars” that buys influence over politicians and media figures. His full speech is accessible here.
In response to Hungary’s moves, the European Commission had already referred the country to the EU’s Court of Justice in October 2024. The Commission contested the establishment of the Sovereignty Protection Office, considering it a violation of EU law due to its potential to exert disproportionate control over civil society and the media. Additional information can be found in the Commission’s press release.