A letter by the ICJ and six other organizations was sent to EU governments ahead of the General Affairs Council hearing of the Hungarian government under the Article 7(1) TEU procedure on 18 November 2022.
The organizations call on EU governments to seize the opportunity of the Article 7 (1) TEU hearing on Hungary to deliver a strong statement on its commitment to continuing and further engaging in holding the Hungarian government to account for eroding EU values.
„At a time when rule of law, human rights and democratic values are under threat, both globally and in Europe, the Council should make it clear, by acting firmly towards Hungary, that these principles cannot be rendered mere objects of transaction and negotiation with member states but should be upheld and reinforced as foundational to the EU project.
For the EU to remain credible and be consistent in its opposition to growing authoritarianism such as that in the Russian Federation and its calls for justice for atrocities committed in Ukraine, it is crucial that it also demonstrates its ability and political will to protect these values among its own membership,“ the letter said.
Read the full letter here.