EU threatens Hungary over media law

European Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes has given two weeks to Hungary to show that its new media law is in accordance with the EU rules. “Otherwise, it will face legal action,” said European Commission (EC) Spokesman Jonathan Todd. EU threatens Hungary over media law The controversial Hungarian media law came in effect on January 1 and it has been widely criticized across Europe, especially in Germany, Great Britain and France. “Hungary has two weeks to respond, but we reserve the right to launch legal action after that,” Todd was quoted as saying by Reuters. The Hungarian authorities claim that previous regulations needed to be changed due to alleged inefficient implementation which allowed tabloid media to act with impunity. Certain regulations, however, cause deep concern over the extent of the government control over privately-owned media. After the meeting with EC President Jose Manuel Barroso earlier this month Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he was prepared to amend the law if the EU requested it. He claims, however, that the media law is in accordance with the EU rules and that it is based on the legislation which is being implemented in other EU member states, such as Denmark, France, Germany and Italy.

EU threatens Hungary over media law

The controversial Hungarian media law came in effect on January 1 and it has been widely criticized across Europe, especially in Germany, Great Britain and France.

“Hungary has two weeks to respond, but we reserve the right to launch legal action after that,” Todd was quoted as saying by Reuters.

The Hungarian authorities claim that previous regulations needed to be changed due to alleged inefficient implementation which allowed tabloid media to act with impunity.

Certain regulations, however, cause deep concern over the extent of the government control over privately-owned media.

After the meeting with EC President Jose Manuel Barroso earlier this month Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he was prepared to amend the law if the EU requested it.

He claims, however, that the media law is in accordance with the EU rules and that it is based on the legislation which is being implemented in other EU member states, such as Denmark, France, Germany and Italy.