Members of the European Parliament have issued an urgent letter demanding the permanent suspension of all EU funds to Hungary, citing persistent violations of the bloc’s democratic values and failure of previous sanctions, reports DW.
The letter, obtained by ARD-Studio in Brussels, was signed by members from multiple parliamentary groups, including Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, Liberals, and Greens.
“Whoever disregards the core values of the EU does not deserve a single euro from its budget,” said Moritz Körner from Germany’s liberal FDP party.
No Progress, Only Regression
Green MEP Daniel Freund, a prominent advocate for the rule of law, initiated the letter. He noted that despite years of sanctions due to widespread corruption and lack of judicial independence, billions in EU funds have remained frozen—yet Hungary has not improved.
“Instead of progress, we’re seeing weekly attacks on the judiciary, civil society, free press, and freedom of expression,” Freund stated. “This must stop.”
Increasing Authoritarian Measures
The Hungarian government, emboldened by support from former U.S. President Donald Trump, has intensified its crackdown on minorities and NGOs. In March, it passed legislation severely limiting freedom of assembly and banning the upcoming LGBTQ+ Pride parade.
On May 13, new laws were enacted that allow the government to blacklist NGOs, restrict their funding, and treat them as threats to national sovereignty.
The move signals a deepening authoritarian shift under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, raising alarm in Brussels about Hungary’s trajectory within the EU.
