On 24 November, the European Parliament adopted a resolution welcoming the European Commission’s decision to trigger the Conditionality Regulation for non-compliance by the Hungarian government with rule of law requirements. MEPs called it however too limited in scope, pointing out that the Commission should make use of the Conditionality Mechanism regarding other breaches of the rule of law in Hungary, particularly judiciary independence.

Commenting on the resolution, ALDE Party Vice President Dániel Berg emphasised that EU funds should primarily reach independent organisations and Hungarian citizens.

“The 17 points established by EU negotiators are not enough to guarantee that these funds reach those they were intended to reach – civil society, the free media and the citizens of Hungary who are facing a harsh winter because of the economic situation. Orbán must do more – Hungary should join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office which can guarantee that these funds go where they were meant to go,” said Berg.

Has Orbán implemented necessary reforms to avoid 🇪🇺 rule of law sanctions? No!

Ahead of today’s @Europarl_EN vote, find out more on the situation in Hungary from #ALDEParty Vice-President Dániel Berg 👇 @momentumhu pic.twitter.com/nDhmkz0Sgh

— ALDE Party (@ALDEParty) November 24, 2022

Katalin Cseh MEP strongly supported directing EU funds to Hungarian citizens as well. Cseh denounced Orbán’s attempt to defraud the European Commission regarding his rule of law policies.

“The European Parliament demands guarantees that EU funds actually arrive to people in need. Orbán wanted to scam Europe with empty promises and did not succeed. We call for Hungary’s accession to the European Public Prosecutors’ Office and direct funds to civil society,” highlighted Cseh.

In today’s resolution, @Europarl_EN demands guarantees that EU funds actually arrive to people in need. Orbán wanted to scam Europe with empty promises & did not succeed. We call for Hungary’s accession to the European Public Prosecutors’ Office & direct funds to civil society. pic.twitter.com/emn9tAy6IO

— Katalin Cseh (@katka_cseh) November 24, 2022

The resolution follows the European Parliament’s decision on 15 September to declare Hungary no longer a full democracy. Berg urged the European Commission on this occasion to stand up to Orbán weaking the EU from within.

“As autocrats only understand the language of money and power, the Commission must use EU funds as leverage to illicit real democratic reforms from Budapest,” he said.

During the 2022 ALDE Party Congress in Dublin, ALDE Party called on the European Commission to move forward with tougher measures concerning rule of law in Hungary and Poland in the resolutions “Towards an enhanced European rule of law” and “Securing the democratic guarantees in Hungary”.