Rule of law is laid down in the EU treaties as one of the values on which the Union is based. It means that governments should be bound by law&nbsp;not to take arbitrary decisions, and that citizens should be able to challenge their actions in independent courts.

It also enshrines the fight against corruption, which unfairly favours some to the detriment of others, and the safeguarding of media freedom, thus ensuring that the public is properly informed about the work of government.

The EU has existing tools at its disposal to protect the rule of law. In&nbsp;September 2020, the European Commission published the first annual rule of law&nbsp;report monitoring both positive and negative developments with regard to the rule of law in all member states. In July 2021 the second edition of the report was published.

There is also&nbsp;dialogue on the rule of law in the Council.

If the Commission deems that a member state is violating EU law, it can start infringement proceedings that may lead to financial sanctions determined by the European Court of Justice. Another procedure, under Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union, allows the Council to make recommendations or decide by unanimity on sanctions against a member state, including the suspension of membership rights.&nbsp;MEPs have argued that existing tools are insufficient.

​Under the new regulation, effective from January 2021, EU budget payments can be witheld from countries where established breaches of the rule of law compromise management of EU funds. At the same time, the EU ensures that final beneficiaries do not end up paying the bill.

Rule of law

In September 2018, the Article 7(1) TEU procedure was triggered. In this case, the European Parliament voted a resolution calling the Council to determine the existence of a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values in relation to Hungary. This resolution was preceded by numerous others adopted by the Parliament between March 2011 and May 2017, and it made reference to concerns related mainly to judicial independence, freedom of expression, corruption, rights of minorities, and the situation of migrants and refugees in Hungary.

Under Article 2 TEU, the EU is founded on the shared values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights (DRF). Article 7 TEU establishes two mechanisms (preventive and sanctions) to enforce EU values in cases of systemic violations and to sanction Member States departing from them.

See also the previous <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/rule-of-law-in-hungary-8th-parliamentary-term_5702_pk">package</a> on the rule of law in Hungary.

Rule of law in Hungary (2019-2020)

Under Article 2 TEU, the EU is founded on the shared values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights.

Article 7 TEU establishes two mechanisms (preventive and sanctioning mechanisms) to enforce European Union values in cases of systemic violations and to sanction Member States departing from them. The sanctions mechanism empowers the Council to suspend certain membership rights of a Member State, including voting rights in the Council in cases of a 'serious and persistent breach' of EU values (Article 7(2)TFEU)’. However, these mechanisms require a high decision-making threshold in the Council and in the European Parliament (when Parliament is called to participate) and rely heavily on Member States’ willingness to take action.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/rule-of-law-8th-parliamentary-term_10601_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Rule of law (2020)

MEPs discuss with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024.The Hungarian government has announced the following priorities for its six month Presidency: A new European competitiveness deal; Boosting European defence policy; A consistent and merit-based enlargement policy; Stemming illegal migration; Shaping the future of cohesion policy; A farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy; Addressing demographic challenges.


During the 2019-2024 legislative period, Parliament repeatedly denounced the Hungarian government’s deliberate and systematic efforts to undermine EU values and the threat it poses for EU institutions and funds. MEPs have expressed serious concerns about the Orbán government’s ability to credibly fulfil its role leading the Council. According to Parliament, the situation has worsened since the activation of the Article 7(1) procedure - to the point that Hungary can no longer be considered a full democracy.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency

MEPs quiz Council and Commission representatives on the premature release of frozen EU funds, the lack of progress in the Article 7 procedure, and other threats to EU values.

MEPs discuss the President’s decision (based on a recommendation of the Committee on legal Affairs) to ask the Court of Justice of the EU to clarify the Commission’s role in and margins of discretion around the unfreezing of EU cohesion funds for Hungary. They will also look into the continuing threat to EU values, institutions, and funds posed by the Hungarian government, including the lack of progress on the Article 7(1) procedure initiated by Parliament in 2018. Last January, MEPs asked the European Council to determine whether Hungary has committed “serious and persistent breaches of EU values” under the more direct Article 7(2) procedure.

MEPs are likely to raise the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of EU (in the second half of 2024), Hungary’s repeated abuse of the right of veto and blackmail in the European Council, and the Commission’s launch of an infringement procedure concerning the country’s “sovereignty law”.

Plenary debate - Hungary: threats to rule of law.

LEX signing ceremony in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and János BÓKA, Minister for European Affairs, on behalf of the Hungarian Presidency

Informal meeting of Heads of State and Government in Budapest, Hungary

Meeting of the European Political Community in Budapest, Hungary

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Viktor ORBAN, Hungarian Prime Minister

Press conference on the situation in Hungary and the rule of law

AGRI extraordinary meeting - Exchange of views with István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture on the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council

Hungarian Presidency Exhibition opening

DEVE - Presentation of the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency - Exchange of views with Tristan AZBEJ State Secretary

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - The Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Council and Commission Statement - Ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Hungary to strengthen Rule of Law and its budgetary implications

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Situation of prisoners in Hungarian jails, including the case of Ilaria Salis

BUDG CONT - Exchange of views on the implementation of the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation and the release of cohesion funds for Hungary under the Common Provisions Regulation

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Continuing threat to the rule of law, the independence of justice and the non-fulfilment of conditionality for EU funding in Hungary

Roberta METSOLA, EP President Katalin NOVAK, President of the Republic of Hungary

Press conference on Did Hungary fulfil the necessary milestones to unfreeze EU funds?

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with János BOKA, Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Breaches of the Rule of Law and fundamental rights in Hungary and frozen EU funds

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on 68th anniversary of the Hungarian uprising. The Hungarian uprising of 1956 was a 12-day uprising against the Soviet-backed Hungarian People's Republic. The revolution began on October 23 and was brutally crushed by Soviet forces on November 4, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries. An estimated quarter of a million Hungarians fled the country in the aftermath. This event remains a significant milestone in Hungarian history, symbolizing the struggle for freedom and independence from Soviet domination.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on 68th Hungarian uprising anniversary

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and János BÓKA, Minister for European Affairs, on behalf of the Hungarian Presidency sign 3 legislative acts on "Internal Market Emergency and Resilience Act (IMERA)" and "IMERA Directives Omnibus" in presence of the Chair Anna CAVAZZINI (Greens/EFA) and the Rapporteur Andreas SCHWAB (EPP).

This news item shows the extracts of the debate between MEPs, the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor ORBÁN, and the European Commission President Ursula VON DER LEYEN on the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024. The Hungarian government has announced the following priorities for its six month Presidency: a new European competitiveness deal; boosting European defence policy; a consistent and merit-based enlargement policy; stemming illegal migration; shaping the future of cohesion policy; a farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy; and addressing demographic challenges.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency: extracts from the debate

MEPs discuss with Viktor ORBÁN, Hungarian Prime Minister, the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024. The Hungarian government has announced the following priorities for its six month Presidency: a new European competitiveness deal; boosting European defence policy; a consistent and merit-based enlargement policy; stemming illegal migration; shaping the future of cohesion policy; a farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy; and addressing demographic challenges. Closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight and by Viktor ORBÁN, Hungarian Prime Minister.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency: closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight and by Viktor ORBÁN, Hungarian Prime Minister

MEPs discuss with Viktor ORBÁN, Hungarian Prime Minister, the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024. The Hungarian government has announced the following priorities for its six month Presidency: a new European competitiveness deal; boosting European defence policy; a consistent and merit-based enlargement policy; stemming illegal migration; shaping the future of cohesion policy; a farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy; and addressing demographic challenges. MEPs debate (part 2)

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs discuss with Viktor ORBÁN, Hungarian Prime Minister, the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024. The Hungarian government has announced the following priorities for its six month Presidency: a new European competitiveness deal; boosting European defence policy; a consistent and merit-based enlargement policy; stemming illegal migration; shaping the future of cohesion policy; a farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy; and addressing demographic challenges. MEPs debate (part 1)

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs discuss with Viktor ORBÁN, Hungarian Prime Minister, the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024. The Hungarian government has announced the following priorities for its six month Presidency: a new European competitiveness deal; boosting European defence policy; a consistent and merit-based enlargement policy; stemming illegal migration; shaping the future of cohesion policy; a farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy; and addressing demographic challenges. Answer by Viktor ORBÁN, Hungarian Prime Minister. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency: answer by Viktor ORBÁN, Hungarian Prime Minister

MEPs discuss with Viktor ORBÁN, Hungarian Prime Minister, the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024. The Hungarian government has announced the following priorities for its six month Presidency: a new European competitiveness deal; boosting European defence policy; a consistent and merit-based enlargement policy; stemming illegal migration; shaping the future of cohesion policy; a farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy; and addressing demographic challenges. One round of political group leaders. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency: one round of political group leaders

MEPs discuss with Viktor ORBÁN, Hungarian Prime Minister, the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024. The Hungarian government has announced the following priorities for its six month Presidency: a new European competitiveness deal; boosting European defence policy; a consistent and merit-based enlargement policy; stemming illegal migration; shaping the future of cohesion policy; a farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy; and addressing demographic challenges. Opening statements by Viktor ORBÁN, Hungarian Prime Minister and by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency: opening statements by Viktor ORBÁN, Hungarian Prime Minister and by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC

MEPs discuss with Viktor ORBÁN, Hungarian Prime Minister, the programme for Hungary’s six-month Council Presidency that started on 1 July 2024. The Hungarian government has announced the following priorities for its six month Presidency: a new European competitiveness deal; boosting European defence policy; a consistent and merit-based enlargement policy; stemming illegal migration; shaping the future of cohesion policy; a farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy; and addressing demographic challenges. Ambiance shots and opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency: ambiance shots and opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Arrival of Viktor ORBAN, Hungarian Prime Minister, and welcome by Roberta METSOLA, EP President.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, meets with Viktor ORBAN, Hungarian Prime Minister: arrival and welcome

Tineke STRIK (Greens/EFA, NL), rapporteur, Michał WAWRYKIEWICZ (EPP, PL), Thijs REUTEN (S&D, NL), Fabienne KELLER (Renew, FR) and Konstantinos ARVANITIS (The Left, EL), hold a press conference on the situation in Hungary and the rule of law. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Tineke STRIK (Greens/EFA, NL), rapporteur, Michał WAWRYKIEWICZ (EPP, PL), Thijs REUTEN (S&D, NL), Fabienne KELLER (Renew, FR) and Konstantinos ARVANITIS (The Left, EL), on the situation in Hungary and the rule of law

MEPs debate on the Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice. MEPs review the Hungarian National Card residence permit scheme and its effects on the Schengen area with the Commission and Council. In July, Hungary expanded its National Card residence permit scheme to include nationals from Russia and Belarus. MEPs have expressed concerns that this could lower screening requirements for these individuals, potentially increasing security risks for the Schengen free-travel zone. On 4 September, Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed to Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs that the Commission is requesting further details from the Hungarian government about this expansion.

The Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice: MEPs debate (part 2)

The Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice: MEPs debate (part 1)

Opening statements by János BÓKA, Hungarian Minister for European Affairs and Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, on the Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice. MEPs review the Hungarian National Card residence permit scheme and its effects on the Schengen area with the Commission and Council. In July, Hungary expanded its National Card residence permit scheme to include nationals from Russia and Belarus. MEPs have expressed concerns that this could lower screening requirements for these individuals, potentially increasing security risks for the Schengen free-travel zone. On 4 September, Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed to Parliament’s LIBE Committee that the Commission is requesting further details. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice: opening statements by János BÓKA, Hungarian Minister for European Affairs and Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner

Closing statements by Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, and by János BÓKA, Hungarian Minister for European Affairs, on the Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice. MEPs review the Hungarian National Card residence permit scheme and its effects on the Schengen area with the Commission and Council. In July, Hungary expanded its National Card residence permit scheme to include nationals from Russia and Belarus. MEPs have expressed concerns that this could lower screening requirements for these individuals, potentially increasing security risks for the Schengen free-travel zone. On 4 September, Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed to Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs that the Commission is requesting further details from the Hungarian government about this expansion.

The Hungarian “National Card” scheme and its consequences for Schengen and the area of freedom, security and justice: closing statements by Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner, and by János BÓKA, Hungarian Minister for European Affairs

The statement by Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez LENARČIČ, and the debate among the MEPs focus on the devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, which have claimed lives and displaced thousands. At the heart or the discussion is the EU preparedness in handling increasingly severe disasters exacerbated by climate change. The floods, caused by torrential rain, have wreaked havoc across Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Austria, with entire neighborhoods submerged and widespread damage to infrastructure. Local authorities are describing the floods as the worst in decades, prompting emergency evacuations and calls for EU financial assistance.

The devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change: extracts from the debate

This news item shows excerpts from Hungarian voters arriving at polling stations, casting their ballots, and engaging in civic duty in Szentendre (Hungary). Hungarian citizens, and citizens of every EU Member State, elect their representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections, in Hungary on 9th of June. The newly elected 21 Hungarian Members, representing EU citizens until 2029, meet in July with other representatives to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and sub committees - thereby launching the new legislative term.

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