Overview

• The EU Commission has warned Hungary that its proposed law targeting NGOs and independent media violates EU principles and could trigger infringement proceedings.
• The draft law would require NGOs and media receiving foreign funding to obtain approval from an anti-money laundering authority and face regular financial scrutiny.
• Organizations deemed a threat to Hungary’s sovereignty could be blacklisted, with severe penalties, including fines of up to 25 times the foreign funding received.
• Tens of thousands protested in Budapest against the proposed law, which opposition leaders describe as a significant step toward authoritarianism.
• Despite widespread opposition, the law is expected to pass due to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party holding a parliamentary majority.