By Martin Banks

In a resolution adopted on Thursday MEPs expressed strong concern about the further erosion of democracy in Hungary, in particular through the recently adopted so-called ‘national sovereignty protection’ package – which has been compared with Russia’s infamous ‘foreign agents law’.

It was passed with 345 votes for, 104 against and 29 abstentions.

Parliament called on the European Council to determine whether Hungary has committed “serious and persistent breaches of EU values” under the more direct procedure of Article 7(2).

MEPs also condemn the actions of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who last December blocked the essential decision to revise the EU’s long-term budget, including the Ukraine aid package, “in full disrespect and violation of the EU’s strategic interests and in violation of the principle of sincere cooperation”.

The EU must not give in to blackmail, they highlight.

Parliament said it regrets the Commission’s decision to release 10.2bn euros of previously frozen funds, despite Hungary not fulfilling the demanded reforms for judicial independence and the Commission recently prolonging the application of EU measures.

Further, MEPs condemned the reported systemic discriminatory practices against academia, journalists, political parties and civil society when allocating funds.

They regret the use of manipulated public procurement procedures, takeover bids by the government and entities with ties to the Prime Minister, and the use of EU funds to enrich the government’s political allies.