Overview

• Fidesz announced on June 4 that the parliamentary vote on its May 14 bill targeting foreign-funded NGOs and media will be delayed until autumn 2025 to allow for further consultations.
• The European Commission formally called for the draft’s withdrawal, warning it will take “necessary action” under EU treaties if the law is adopted.
• Council of Europe Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty urged MPs to reject or amend the proposal over its potential to cripple civil society and violate human rights.
• Regional Development Minister Tibor Navracsics expressed concerns about broad criteria and lack of judicial recourse, underscoring divisions within Fidesz on necessary safeguards.
• Amnesty International and other rights groups hailed the postponement as a “huge joint success” but cautioned that government efforts to silence independent voices may resurface before the 2026 election.