Democracy News

Hungary Changes Media Law to Meet EU Demands
February 18, 2011
By: Chinyelu Odunze | Printer Friendly

On February 17, the European Union (EU) announced that Hungary had agreed to change its controversial media law to meet all EU legal requirements.  The EU previously expressed that the media law raised concerns about freedom of expression and broadcasting. 

Reuters reported that Neelie Kroes, the European commissioner for the Digital Agenda, stated that although Hungary had proposed changes to the law that satisfied EU concerns, the Commission would closely monitor how Budapest will implement the changes.  "We will continue to work to ensure agreed changes are incorporated into Hungarian law and revised law is consistently applied in practice," Kroes said in a statement.  The Commission expects Hungary to make the changes in the next two weeks.  The concessions follow lengthy discussions with the European Union’s executive arm, the European Commission. 

The Hungarian law was enacted on January 1.  The law has been heavily criticized for putting all media under the scrutiny of the government.  The law's original wording called for imposing large fines on broadcasters, publishers and Internet outlets that distribute content that government authorities deem offensive, unbalanced, or not in the public interest.  According to Voice of America, critics said the law is not well-defined and stifles free speech.  Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban previously said he would be willing to change the law if EU legal experts found problems with it.

The law overshadowed the start of Hungary's six months in the rotating EU presidency.  The Commission had threatened legal action against Hungary if it refused to incorporate the changes demanded by EU officials.

For previous news on Hungary, please see:
Hungarian Government Votes To Tighten Media Restrictions

Sources:
AP - Hungary Changes Media Law

New York Times - Hungary Tones Down Media Law to End E.U Conflict

Reuters - Hungary Agrees to Amend Media Law - EU Commission

Voice of America – EU: Hungary Agrees to Amend Media Law