The Hungarian media landscape is rapidly losing transparency and fair competition—an issue that has moved beyond national concern to become a priority on the European Union’s agenda. On April 28, two independent Hungarian outlets, including Magyar Hang, filed an official complaint with the European Commission, accusing Viktor Orbán’s government of unlawfully subsidizing only those media outlets that demonstrate unwavering loyalty to the Prime Minister and his inner circle.
Even seemingly neutral topics—like the export of Tokaji wine or environmental upgrades around Lake Balaton—are reportedly turned into opportunities to praise Orbán’s leadership. This systemic favoritism distorts the market and puts the survival of independent journalism at serious risk.
This is not the first time Brussels has received such a complaint: back in 2019, a similar case was submitted to the Commission, which remains under review due to institutional delays. However, the latest filings provide compelling evidence that may finally force EU authorities to demand repayment of misused funds and impose financial penalties on Hungary.
Meanwhile, broader investigations are underway. Reports by Belgian outlet De Tijd and Hungary’s Direkt36 revealed that Hungarian intelligence services spied on EU officials during their visits to Budapest in 2015–2017, even bugging hotel rooms and intercepting phone calls. Of particular interest were staff from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) probing companies linked to Orbán and his family.
Hungary has also been fined €200 million by the European Court of Justice for failing to comply with EU refugee policy. In December 2023, a controversial “Sovereignty Protection Law” passed in Hungary drew a separate case before the ECJ, with the Commission arguing it breaches core EU rights—such as freedom of expression, data protection, and legal confidentiality.
Between 2015 and 2023, Hungary’s government spent over €1 billion in public advertising funds to support pro-government media outlets, according to investigative reporting by Magyar Hang. That amount equals roughly 0.6% of the country’s GDP and exceeds its annual public spending on both culture and media combined.
Freedom of the press has continued to deteriorate over this period. According to the 2024 Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, Hungary ranks 25th among the 27 EU member states and 67th globally—close to authoritarian regimes notorious for censorship.
As opposition media struggle to survive, many in Brussels are seriously considering invoking Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, which could suspend Hungary’s voting rights in the EU Council. According to Dutch MEP Tineke Strik (Greens/EFA), at least 19 EU leaders are already prepared to support the move. Hungary, meanwhile, may count on backing from Slovakia, Greece, and Cyprus—countries also facing criticism for democratic backsliding.
Europe now stands at a crossroads: either act decisively to defend press freedom within its borders—or allow autocratic governance to erode the foundations of democratic society from within.
