A bill submitted to the Hungarian parliament is drawing criticism for its potential impact on media freedom.Bill no. T/11923, titled “On the Clarity of Public Life,” was introduced on May 13, 2025, by Member of Parliament, János Halász, as an individual member’s motion. Because it is an individual initiative,the bill did not undergo public consultation prior to its submission.

The proposed law targets entities that, through foreign funding, are seen as threats to Hungary’s sovereignty by influencing public life. The sovereignty Protection Office would be empowered to investigate and recommend organizations for registration based on these criteria. the Government would then issue decrees to register those organizations deemed to endanger national sovereignty.

WAN-IFRA Expresses Concerns

In response to the bill, the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) has written to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, expressing concerns about the increased powers of the Sovereignty Protection Office and the potential implications for press freedom.

We believe this proposed legislation risks violating both European law and the principle of democracy upon which the European Union is founded.

WAN-IFRA’s letter, dated May 19, 2025, highlights the organization’s “deep concern at a draft bill currently before the Hungarian parliament that we believe poses a significant threat to independent media.”

The letter notes that the bill would “disproportionately increase the powers of the Sovereignty Protection Office and other authorities to monitor, penalise, and potentially ban organisations – including media companies – simply because they are recipients of foreign funding.”

Vague Definitions and Potential for Abuse

WAN-IFRA also points out the “vague and overly broad definition of what constitutes a threat to national sovereignty contained within the proposed legislation,” suggesting that the bill’s interpretation is “at risk of potential abuse and political manipulation.”

The organization further argues that the “punitive measures contained within the bill appear designed to intimidate and deter ordinary Hungarians from donating financially to any organisation blacklisted under this proposed legislation.”

WAN-IFRA’s letter also reminds Hungary of its obligations as a European Union member state to uphold media freedom and pluralism, as enshrined in Article 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The letter concludes by urging Prime Minister Orbán to “rethink the proposed new legislation and to review the powers of the Sovereignty Protection Office to ensure media freedom and media pluralism are protected,not punished under Hungarian law.” The letter is signed by Latin Heimgartner, President of WAN-FRA, and David Walmsley, President of the World Editors Forum.