European Court of Justice: Advocate General Finds Hungary in Breach of Sovereignty Laws

An Advocate General for the Court of Justice of the European Union has issued a formal opinion stating that Hungary’s "National Sovereignty" law violates EU law. The law, which allows for the investigation of individuals and organizations suspected of serving foreign interests, has been criticized for being a tool to silence political opposition and independent media. The opinion suggests that the law creates an atmosphere of intimidation that is incompatible with democratic standards.

Advocate Generals provide non-binding but highly influential opinions that the CJEU typically follows in its final rulings. In this case, the legal expert argued that the broad powers granted to Hungary’s "Sovereignty Protection Office" infringe upon the freedom of association and the right to a fair trial. The opinion also noted that the law lacks clear legal definitions, making it ripe for arbitrary application against civil society groups.

This legal battle is part of a broader, ongoing dispute between the European Union and Hungary over the rule of law. If the court aligns with this opinion in its final judgment, Hungary could face significant financial penalties and be forced to repeal the legislation. The outcome will be a major indicator of how much power the EU has to prevent member states from passing laws that restrict domestic political freedoms.