Strasbourg, France — The European Parliament’s legal committee has recently voted to partake in a lawsuit against Hungary, objecting to a contentious law enacted in late 2023 that aims to reinforce national sovereignty. The suit, under review by the European Court of Justice, scrutinizes the legislation’s conformity with democratic principles and EU statutes. The decision by the committee marks an escalation in legal responses stemming from multiple EU member countries and institutions concerned about the law’s broader implications.
The measure was approved decisively, drawing notable support with 19 votes in favor, one abstention, and one against. The Czech Republic and Denmark were among the first to join this legal challenge, and they may soon be joined by others as the deadline to enter the case approaches on February 27. The legislative bodies in Finland and the Netherlands are also considering participation, and a conglomerate of civil organizations have implored France to lend its support.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is expected to uphold the committee’s recommendation, aligning with the European Commission’s views. The Commission brought this legal action as part of an infringement procedure against Hungary due to failures to rectify issues raised concerning the legislation.
The controversial law established the Sovereignty Protection Office (SPO), which started operations in February 2024. The Hungarian government asserts that the office is crucial for defending against undue foreign influences on the nation’s political and economic integrity. However, the SPO’s wide-ranging investigatory powers have sparked debates about potential misuse, particularly its ability to scrutinize and potentially stifle nonprofit organizations, media, and political entities receiving foreign funding.
Critics argue that the law equips the SPO with extensive powers to conduct surveillance with minimal checks, risking abuse in silencing dissension and impairing the freedom of the press and civil liberties in Hungary. Reports from the first year suggest the agency targeted key investigative journalism platforms and anti-corruption bodies, such as Atlatszo, Direkt36, and Transparency International.
A vivid example of the SPO’s assertive tactics includes a comprehensive probe into Transparency International Hungary in June 2024. The organization was bombarded with inquiries about its operations, funding sources, and its communication tactics, amidst accusations of foreign-funded activities purportedly aimed at manipulating electoral outcomes.
The broader financial ecosystem for Hungary’s NGOs and media also took a hit in February 2025 when USAID funding was frozen, an action lauded by Hungary’s nationalist leaders. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been vocal about disrupting what he perceives as foreign-backed efforts to influence Hungarian politics, explicitly targeting funds from entities he claims are aimed at toppling the government.
Apart from past actions, Orban also hinted at forthcoming legislation targeting NGOs, which is expected to be a focal point in the 2026 electoral campaigns. These developments underscore a deepening rift over the definition and management of external influences in national affairs across the EU. As this legal battle unfolds, it will likely illuminate significant ideological and operational divides concerning state sovereignty, civil liberties, and foreign involvement in member states.
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