The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Thursday called on European Union (EU) leaders to condemn Hungary’s proposed bill imposing far-reaching restrictions on organizations, such as nonprofits and independent media, that receive foreign monetary support.

CPJ’s deputy advocacy director Tom Gibson argued that the bill is a “chilling signal” that the freedom of the press will be eliminated to allow for the Hungarian government’s unrestricted power. Gibson stated: “This measure amounts to Hungary’s complete abandonment of its responsibilities as a member of the European Union and would fundamentally undermine democracy. European leaders must act swiftly.”

The proposed bill allows Hungary’s Sovereignty Protection Office to establish a catalogue of listed organizations supported by foreign powers because they threaten Hungary’s sovereignty. The bill classifies foreign funding, which includes EU donations as low as €5, as a possible threat to Hungary’s sovereignty. The listed organizations will face harsh penalties if they accept foreign funds without permission.

According to Médiafórum, the Association of Independent Media Outlets, the bill purposefully defines threats to sovereignty broadly to target activities by press organizations. It includes any activity by organizations financed by foreign funding that “harms or portrays in a negative light” Hungary’s democracy, constitutional identity, family life, and Christian values.

The bill proposal follows Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s public speech for the 177th anniversary of the Hungarian revolution and war of independence of 1848-49 on March 15. The prime minister vowed to take down the politicians, judges, journalists, civil society organizations, and political activists who have attempted to disguise themselves in their “new European party garb.”

He further stated: “After today’s festive gathering will come house cleaning for Easter. The bugs have survived winter. We are dismantling the financial machine that has used corrupt dollars to buy politicians, judges, journalists, bogus civil society organizations and political activists. We will disperse the entire shadow army.”

Notably, the European Commission referred Hungary to the EU’s Court of Justice on October 3, 2024, considering establishment of the Sovereignty Protection Office a breach of EU law. The Commission particularly expressed concern for the broad powers of the Sovereignty Protection Office, which could disproportionately affect civil society organizations, media outlets and journalists.