Brussels [Belgium], May 25: The European Commission is threatening action against Hungary if the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban passes a controversial bill restricting non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The introduction of the "transparency in public life" bill would impose strict regulations on foreign-funded NGOs that are seen as a risk to Hungary's sovereignty.
The draft, submitted to the parliament in Budapest by Orban's conservative nationalist Fidesz party, represents a serious violation of EU law, according to the Brussels-based commission. It called for the draft to be withdrawn from the legislative process.
Should the law be adopted as expected, the body headed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it would not hesitate to take the necessary measures.
The commission can initiate so-called infringement proceedings, resulting in heavy fines on member states that do not comply with EU law.
NGOs face dissolution Comparable to legislation in place in Russia, the draft law allows for foreign-funded NGOs with the ability to influence public opinion to be blacklisted.
Source: Qatar Tribune
