Government persecution against civil society

31.3.2015

Question for written answer P-005170-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Tibor Szanyi (S&D)

The EU has repeatedly articulated to the European Neighbourhood Policy countries its concern about the need to strengthen the role of civil society actors. This is indeed right and important; however, it is absolutely crucial that the Union itself uphold the rules and standards it imposes on others.

In March 2015, Commissioner Jourová visited Hungary to closely examine the situation of civil society, among other things. She saw the reality that Hungarian civil society faces today when uninvited observers from the Ministry of Human Resources interrupted her non-official meeting scheduled with a civil society organisation. As confirmed by the Commissioner, this incident is indicative of the restrictive approach taken by the Orbán government against civil society organisations. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has also expressed his concerns over the Hungarian Government’s attitude towards fundamental rights.

1. Does the Commission keep track of possible government persecution against civil society actors in the Member States?

2. What instruments are available to the Commission to ensure the protection of civil society actors from such persecution? What is the threshold beyond which the Commission must intervene for the sake of defending European democratic values?