Raid on Hungary’s opposition party offices

10.12.2019

Question for written answer E-004327/2019
to the Commission
Rule 138
Sophia in 't Veld (Renew), Katalin Cseh (Renew), Anna Júlia Donáth (Renew)

On 30 October 2019, the Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) raided the offices of opposition party ‘Momentum’. Last year, the State Audit Office also investigated the party’s finances, leading to a freeze in state funding. It was concluded, however, that the party complies with the law.

‘Momentum’ has indicated it will cooperate with the NAV. However, the Orbán government appears to use state institutions in a political campaign against the opposition. This comes on top of the democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights deficiencies identified in Parliament’s report pursuant to Article 7(1) of the TEU.

• 1.Does the Commission agree that these latest developments are of great concern in light of Article 2 of the TEU and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, in particular as regards the freedom of association, equality before the law and the right to good administration?
• 2.Does the Commission consider that the NAV meets all standards of independence, particularly with a view to cooperation between Member State fiscal authorities and EU police and justice cooperation in the fight against crime, money-laundering and corruption?
• 3.If so, can the Commission explain its conclusion? If not, will it seek to suspend information exchange and cooperation until these concerns are addressed?