Ireland has confirmed its intention to join a European Commission infringement case against Hungary at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).
The case challenges Hungary’s Sovereignty Protection Law, which was passed in December 2023 and has raised serious concerns about restrictions on civil society and press freedom.
The European Commission referred the case to the EU’s top court in October, arguing that Hungary’s law violates key rights under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, including:
International bodies, including the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, have strongly criticised the law. The latter even called for it to be abandoned before it was passed.
With legal pressure mounting, Hungary’s stance on civil liberties remains a flashpoint within the EU, as more member states join efforts to challenge legislation that restricts freedoms.
The case challenges Hungary’s Sovereignty Protection Law, which was passed in December 2023 and has raised serious concerns about restrictions on civil society and press freedom.
What is the Sovereignty Protection Law?
The law established a government body, the Office for the Defence of Sovereignty (SPO), with powers to investigate organisations and individuals receiving foreign funding.- The SPO’s president is appointed by Hungary’s Prime Minister and President for a six-year term.
- It can probe foreign-funded media and civil society organisations.
- Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party argues that the law prevents foreign political interference.
Ireland’s Stance and EU Legal Action
In a statement to RTÉ News, Tánaiste Simon Harris said Ireland has "consistently raised concerns" about the law and its negative impact on civil society in Hungary.Ireland’s Embassy in Budapest has been actively engaging with Hungarian civil society on the issue.
The European Commission referred the case to the EU’s top court in October, arguing that Hungary’s law violates key rights under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, including:
- The right to privacy and family life
- Freedom of expression and information
- Freedom of association
Growing Pressure on Hungary
The Czech Republic was the first EU member state to join the case, and Ireland is now joining efforts to challenge Hungary’s legal restrictions.International bodies, including the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, have strongly criticised the law. The latter even called for it to be abandoned before it was passed.
Previous Legal Challenges Against Hungary
Ireland also joined a separate EU legal case against Hungary in 2023 over the country’s Child Protection Law, which bans depictions of homosexuality and gender reassignment in media and educational content for minors. The law has been widely criticised as anti-LGBTQ.With legal pressure mounting, Hungary’s stance on civil liberties remains a flashpoint within the EU, as more member states join efforts to challenge legislation that restricts freedoms.
