EU opens legal action against Hungary over new laws

Commission President Barroso says Hungary's new legislation conflicts with EU law

 

 

 

 

 

 

The European Commission - the EU's executive arm - has opened legal proceedings against Hungary over reforms to its central bank, data protection and judiciary.

PM Viktor Orban was given a month to respond to the Commission's concerns.
Critics say the new central bank law puts the bank's independence at risk. It allows Mr Orban to install a new deputy governor.
His conservative Fidesz party has a two-thirds majority in parliament.
The Hungarian government said it would try to "resolve the problematic questions as soon as possible", so as to avoid an escalation of the legal dispute.
The Commission launched an "infringement procedure" against Hungary on Tuesday, the first stage of which is a warning calling for changes to the controversial laws.
"We do not want a shadow of doubt on respect for democratic principles and values to remain over the country any longer," Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said.