Commission launches infringement proceedings against Hungary

Today, the European Commission has just announced that it is launching infringement procedures against Hungary for its discrimination against LGBTIQ people. The Greens/EFA Group had called for the Commission to take action against the Hungarian government for its attacks on European values and fundamental rights, and welcome today's announcement. However, both the Commission and Council need to use all possible tools at their disposal to stop the government's systematic efforts to dismantle democracy and the rule of law, and attack fundamental rights in Hungary. 

Terry Reintke MEP, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur on the ‘Breaches of EU law and of the rights of LGBTIQ citizens in Hungary’ resolution, comments:

"We welcome today's announcements. The strongest possible action is needed to stand up to Orbán's attacks on the LGBTIQ community and people's rights in Hungary. However, infringement procedures alone will not be enough to tackle to the Hungarian government's systematically assault on the fundamental rights of LGBTIQ people, refugees, minorities and all people living in Hungary. Without the rule of law and the proper democratic structures that all European countries profess to support, there can be no equality and no guarantee for anyone's rights. The Commission and Council need to use all potential tools at their disposal to support democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights."

Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield, Greens/EFA MEP and European Parliament Rapporteur on the situation in Hungary, comments: 

"It's welcome that the Commission is taking action, but this needs to be part of a broader systematic approach designed to fix the rule of law crisis. The situation in Hungary must be dealt with a calm, straightforward, consistent and legitimate way with the tools we already have. Article 7 needs to be pursued and if the rule of law is not returned in Hungary, then we need to talk about sanctions. If Hungary is not democratic, it cannot be allowed to have a say in a democratic organisation. The Commission should not use the infringement procedures alone, it will not be enough. We know there is widespread corruption in Hungary and we know that the procurement system is rigged. The Commission needs to activate the rule of law mechanism now."