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Guide to the Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

REGIONS WE COVER

Middle East and North Africa

North America

Asia-Pacific

Western Europe

Central and Eastern Europe

Hungary has implemented legislative measures affecting its media landscape over the past year, with a clear emphasis on reducing foreign influence and increasing government oversight. While these measures are stated to protect national sovereignty, they have sparked international criticism and legal challenges, raising fundamental questions about press freedom and the health of democracy in Hungary.

In February 2025, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced legislation intended to scrutinise, and potentially eliminate, media outlets receiving foreign funding, particularly from the United States.

The move mirrors actions taken by the US administration under President Donald Trump, which suspended most United States Agency for International Development funding for 90 days, affecting NGOs and humanitarian projects globally. Orbán's government stated that measures are intended to protect national sovereignty and prevent foreign interference in domestic affairs. However, critics raise concern about the effect the new law on press freedom and democracy in Hungary.

In other developments, Hungarian government is challenging the European Media Freedom Act, which was introduced to protect free speech within EU member states. The case, filed with the European Court of Justice in July, involves Hungary directly contesting the EU Council and the European Parliament's decision to adopt the rulebook intended to safeguarding media independence and preventing increasing state control over media organisations.