Hungary faces EU sanctions over its controversial new media law, following action today by the main progressive group in the European Parliament in defence of values set out in the Treaty of Lisbon. 

 

Martin Schulz, leader of the Parliament's Socialists and Democrats, formally asked the all-party parliamentary committee on civil liberties to investigate provisions in the new law. The outcome could lead the Parliament to use treaty powers to open a sanctions procedure.

 

A showdown is expected later this month when Premier Viktor Orbán addresses Euro MPs in Strasbourg to mark his country's EU Council presidency.

 

Mr Schulz called on European Commission president José Manuel Barroso and his colleagues, who are to meet the Hungarian government in Budapest tomorrow, to be resolute in defending EU values.

 

Said Mr Schulz: "There is great concern across Europe that the new Hungarian media law and its government-appointed media council will stifle press freedom. The right to receive and impart information without interference by public authority is enshrined in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Treaty of Lisbon clearly defines the EU's values. 

 

"We cannot allow Hungary or any other government to drive a coach and horses through the fundamental values of the European Union.

 

"This is an important matter and it must be handled seriously. I wrote to the chairman of the civil liberties committee, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, immediately after the adoption of the law in December. I asked for his committee to analyse the law as soon as possible so that the Parliament can decide whether or not to open procedures laid down in article seven of the Lisbon Treaty.

 

"I would like this analysis to be completed, with the participation of the two European Commissioners concerned, Viviane Reding and Neelie Kroes, and international media representatives, in time for our discussions at the parliamentary session."

 

The procedures, which could lead to suspension of Hungary's right to vote on EU decisions, are provided to defend EU treaty values. The definition of these values, set out in article two of the treaty, reads: "The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the member states in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail."

 

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Associated media

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