More than 80 editors from leading European newsrooms have put their names to a petition demanding the repeal of Hungary’s proposed legislation targeting foreign‑funded media and human rights groups. Critics warn this move will stifle government scrutiny and weaken press freedom.
What the Bill Proposes
The draft law, introduced by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s nationalist party last week, would require any organisation receiving overseas funding to register on an official list. Once listed, these outlets or NGOs could face restrictions or even closure if deemed a threat to Hungary’s sovereignty and culture.
Growing Outcry
Hungarian news agencies, think tanks and rights groups have decried the bill as a red flag for political dissent. Street protests have erupted in Budapest, and the petition signatories warn that Hungary could adopt the “foreign agent” tactics first seen in Russia in 2012.
A European Concern
The petition stresses that safeguarding a free press is both a domestic and an EU‑wide priority. It comes amid a wider wave of populist leaders in the region who are adopting Orbán’s playbook to curb media independence.
Signatories and Their Call to Action
Editors from major outlets—including The Guardian, Libération, Gazeta Wyborcza, ORF, SME and Hospodářské noviny—have urged their governments and EU institutions to intervene. They argue the law would breach EU treatiesand the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
What’s Next in Hungary
Parliament is set to debate the bill this week, with a vote anticipated in mid‑June. Given the ruling party’s absolute majority, approval seems all but guaranteed. Critics point out that this clampdown on independent media comes just ahead of the hotly contested elections expected in 2026.
