The European Parliament (EP) adopted its second interim report on Hungary's systemic violations of EU values. The report was approved by 415 votes “in favor“, 193 “against“ and 28 “abstains“ and covers all 12 areas of serious concern, including the functioning of the electoral system, the independence of the judiciary and corruption, BTA reports.
The EP called on the EU Council to establish a “clear risk of a serious breach of EU values“ and to move to the next stage under Article 7(1) of the EU Treaty, which could ultimately lead to a restriction of Hungary's voting rights in the Council. The report notes that the Hungarian Supreme Court reviews decisions of the Court of Justice of the EU before they are implemented, and Hungary's systematic refusal to implement judgments of the European Court of Human Rights puts EU trust and funding at risk.
Members are concerned about the link between corruption and the integrity of elections, clientelistic networks and obstacles to the anti-corruption body, which jeopardise the proper allocation of EU funds. They criticise the European Commission for releasing cohesion funds without guarantees for final recipients, including civil society organisations.
The report highlights that the situation in Hungary has deteriorated significantly since the start of the Article 7 procedure in 2018. The continued disregard for democratic standards, human rights, media freedom and the independence of the judiciary poses a threat to the country and the EU as a whole. MEPs call for formal recommendations and the next steps under Article 7.
Using artificial intelligence for political influenceThe report states that Hungary is using unlabeled political content generated by AI for the 2026 elections, including fake videos linked to the ruling party. This poses a risk to the integrity of the elections and may breach European and national law. MEPs call for enhanced OSCE observation missions.
The media landscape is also problematic: businessmen close to the government control most media outlets, while independent newspapers and media outlets are closed or subordinated to the government. According to “Reporters Without Borders“ Fidesz party now controls 80% of the country's media market.
Specific conclusions and recommendationsThe Parliament warns that Hungary is turning into a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy“. MEPs condemn the repeated use of the veto as a tool of pressure, the transactional use of budget funds and the circumvention of the Conditionality Regulation.
The rapporteurs also criticise Viktor Orbán's intention to travel to Moscow for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. The EP awaits the results of the investigation into alleged Hungarian espionage in EU institutions, and insists on concrete consequences for those responsible, including Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi.