Hungary amends media law after EU criticism

A weeks-long spat between Brussels and Budapest seemed to have been defused on the 16 February 2011 as the European Commission said it was satisfied with proposed changes to Hungary’s controversial media law.

The climbdown by Budapest helps to defuse an issue which has largely overshadowed Hungary’s time as EU Presidency country in the first half of 2011.

EUObserver, 16.2.11: Hungarian journalists wary despite EU tweaks to media law http://euobserver.com/9/31820

European Commission: RAPID: MEMO/11/89: Media: Commission Vice-President Kroes welcomes amendments to Hungarian Media Law http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/11/89&format=PDF&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

EurActiv, 17.2.11: Brussels happy with Hungary's pledges on media law http://www.euractiv.com/future-eu/brussels-happy-hungary-pledges-media-law-news-502238

ESO: Background information: Hungary media law falls foul of Brussels http://www.europeansources.info/record/hungary-media-law-falls-foul-of-brussels/

Deutsche Welle, 8.2.11: Hungary agrees to amend controversial media law http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,14824823,00.html

France24, 16.2.11: Budapest bows to EU on controversial media law http://www.france24.com/en/20110216-budapest-bows-eu-pressure-controversial-media-law-orban-hungary-press

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