Debate on legal issues relating to Hungary

The European Parliament held a debate on 26 April 2017 concerning the state of affairs in Hungary, including a proposed law for higher education institutions and the tightening of rules for NGOs and asylum seekers. The discussion was attended by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and also included some words on a government survey entitled 'Let's stop Brussels!'.

Many MEPs took the view that the new education law was an attack on academic feedom and NGOs were being targeted to suppress critical voices. Some argued the EU was passively witnessing the erosion of democracy in Hungary and called for tougher measures. Others defended the national government's moves.

European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans announced an infringement procedure regarding the proposed higher education law and criticised the government for making 'false allegations' on the survey it decided to conduct. Hungary's prime minister said the accusations on higher education were false and portrayed the national consultation as a democratic tool.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Remarks of First Vice-President Frans Timmermans after the College discussion on legal issues relating to Hungary http://www.europeansources.info/record/remarks-of-first-vice-president-frans-timmermans-after-the-college-discussion-on-legal-issues-relating-to-hungary/

The Guardian, 26.04.17: Orbán on offensive after EU takes legal action over Soros university https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/26/eu-launches-legal-action-against-hungary-higher-education-law-university

EurActiv, 27.04.17: Orbán: Hungary has no big issue with EU, it has a problem with Soros http://www.euractiv.com/section/central-europe/news/orban-hungary-has-no-big-issue-with-eu-it-has-a-problem-with-soros/

Politico, 26.04.17: Brussels punches back at Viktor Orbán http://www.politico.eu/article/brussels-finally-stands-up-to-viktor-orban/

The New York Times, 26.04.17: Chided by Brussels, Hungary’s Leader Attacks George Soros https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/26/world/europe/soros-orban-hungary-eu-central-european-university.html

BBC News, 26.04.17: Hungary education law: EU to take legal action amid university row http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39718467

EUObserver, 27.04.17: EU starts legal action against Hungary https://euobserver.com/justice/137689

Deutsche Welle, 26.04.17: Hungary's Orban defends education law in Brussels, calling EU outrage 'absurd' http://p.dw.com/p/2bxXX

EurActiv, 26.04.17: [Opinion] Problems with Hungary affect EU single market too https://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/opinion/problems-with-hungary-affect-eu-single-market-too/

Euronews, 26.04.17: Protest held against Hungary's PM Orban http://www.euronews.com/2017/04/26/protest-held-against-hungary-s-pm-orban

EUObserver, 26.04.17: Orban set to face down EU threats https://euobserver.com/political/137675

The Guardian, 23.04.17: [Opinion] Democracy and academic freedom in Viktor Orbán’s Hungary https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/23/democracy-and-academic-freedom-in-viktor-orban-hungary

Bloomberg, 26.04.17: Hungary’s Crackdown on Soros-Linked School Brings EU Lawsuit Threat https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-04-26/hungary-faces-threat-of-eu-lawsuit-over-educational-crackdown

European Commission: DG Communication: SPEECH/17/1118, 26.04.17: Opening remarks of First Vice-President Frans Timmermans in the European Parliament debate on Hungary http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-17-1118_en.htm

EUObserver, 27.04.17: EPP group frustrated with Orban https://euobserver.com/political/137708

EUObserver, 29.04.17: EPP scolds Orban over university and NGO laws https://euobserver.com/political/137728

---