In a significant appeal to the European Commission, members of Hungary’s FIDESZ–KDNP delegation have raised concerns about recent political and constitutional changes in Hungary that they argue threaten democratic institutions. During a joint session of the European Parliament’s Committees on Budgets and Budgetary Control, Hungarian MEPs Tamás Deutsch, Csaba Dömötör, and András László highlighted their apprehensions and urged the Commission to clarify its stance on these developments.
The Hungarian lawmakers pointed to several issues, including constitutional amendments, constraints on political competition, alterations impacting parliamentary mandates, and the autonomy of state institutions. They noted that the European Commission has previously expressed rule-of-law concerns regarding Hungary and withheld EU funding, yet has remained silent on these latest changes. Their call for clarity aims to ensure that the recent constitutional modifications align with European democratic norms.
The delegation emphasized the importance of uniform application of democratic principles across all EU member states. They questioned whether Hungary’s recent constitutional changes adhere to these standards and sought a definitive response from the European Commission. However, during the hearing, Commission representatives refrained from offering detailed answers to the queries posed by the Hungarian lawmakers.
This development underscores ongoing tensions between Hungary and the European Union concerning democratic governance and the rule of law. The FIDESZ–KDNP delegation’s appeal reflects their demand for transparency and consistency in the EU’s approach to assessing member states’ adherence to democratic values. As the European Commission navigates these complex dynamics, the situation in Hungary remains a focal point for discussions on the preservation and promotion of democratic principles within the EU.