The European Parliament [official website] passed a resolution [text, PDF] Wednesday accusing Hungary of engaging in actions which have resulted in the “serious deterioration of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights.” The organization particularly focused on human rights of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees as well as freedom of education. It calls for [press release] “the Hungarian Government to repeal laws tightening rules against asylum-seekers and non-governmental organisations, and to reach an agreement with the US authorities, making it possible for Central European University to remain in Budapest as a free institution.” They are also requesting that any EU funds to Hungary be monitored by the European Commission. The resolution was passed by a vote of 393 to 221, with 64 abstentions.

Hungary has been several investigations in recent years. In April, the EU opened [JURIST report] an investigation into Hungary’s recent Higher Education law that was meant to close the Central European university. The International Federation for Human Rights had urged [JURIST report] the EU in November to better address Hungary’s sustained attack on human rights. In February 2015, Human Rights Watch had condemned [JURIST report] the EU for not taking action against Hungary’s laws and practices relating to human rights. In 2013 the Hungarian government enacted constitutional amendments [JURIST report] after receiving criticism over its 2012 amendments. HRW and other human rights groups criticized [JURIST report] the changes as “largely cosmetic,” highlighting a lack of resolve over issues surrounding weakened human rights protections in the country.