The European Parliament must vote in favour of triggering EU action against Hungary’s increasingly repressive policies, which are eroding fundamental rights, freedoms and the rule of law that are at the heart of EU values, Amnesty International said today, ahead of the historic vote on 12 September.
In order to trigger proceedings under Article 7.1 of the Treaty on European Union, two-thirds of MEPs must vote to endorse a report on Hungary which concludes that the country is at risk of seriously breaching the EU’s founding principles. This could ultimately result in the suspension of Hungary’s EU membership rights.
“It is essential to bring Hungary back to the EU’s shared path of respect for rights and freedoms. Taking a stance now will also send a clear signal that politics of fear, hate and disregard for opposing voices won’t be tolerated in the EU,” said Berber Biala-Hettinga, Amnesty International’s expert on human rights in the EU.
“Under the false pretext of tackling a migration crisis, the Hungarian government has been attacking NGOs, getting rid of independent media and removing essential checks and balances to power. Hard-won freedoms and rights are vanishing before our eyes,” said Berber Biala-Hettinga.