Why the EU Is Getting Tough on Hungary’s Orban

Long concerned about what it calls the erosion of the rule of law in Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the European Union sees getting him to change course as vital to bolstering democracy and EU unity -- especially as it confronts Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Failure may increase polarization in the 27-nation bloc or even rekindle talk of Hungary’s potential exit. In April, shortly after Orban notched up a fourth landslide election win at home, the EU triggered a probe that may ultimately deprive his government of billions of euros in funding. In September it moved a step closer to withholding funds, while also recognizing some progress.

Since 2010, Orban has made it harder for outsiders to hold the government to account. He’s appointed loyalists to the courts, the chief prosecutor’s office and the media authority. A big parliamentary majority allowed him to write a new constitution that opposition critics condemned as an attack on democracy and human rights. He’s sought to limit the rights of some minorities, including the Roma and LGBTQ communities. And he’s been the closest EU leader to Russia even after President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, exploiting exemptions to EU sanctions he demanded to secure increased imports of Russian gas. The European Parliament has passed a resolution that no longer considers Hungary a full-fledged democracy. Transparency International, a not-for-profit graft watchdog, rates Hungary as among the most-corrupt countries in the 27-nation bloc.