Czechia has become the first EU country to officially request joining the European Commission’s legal battle against Hungary’s controversial Sovereignty Protection Act. The law limits foreign influence in domestic politics, but critics say it undermines opposition forces.
On January 30, Czechia submitted its application to the EU Court of Justice, confirmed Czech Foreign Ministry spokesperson Daniel Drake. He added that 12 other EU countries are either considering or have already completed their own procedures to join the case.
Czechia’s request to intervene on the Commission’s side reflects its long-standing commitment to protecting fundamental rights and supporting the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, according to Drake in a statement to Euractiv Czechia.
Denmark, according to the civil rights group Reclaim, has also joined the case, though no other countries have publicly confirmed their participation.
The European Commission argues that the Hungarian law infringes on key values like privacy, freedom of expression, and the presumption of innocence. The law is also said to violate EU rules on internal markets, e-commerce, data protection, and services.
The Commission’s infringement procedure started in February 2022, when Hungary was first sent a formal notice. After Hungary failed to address the Commission’s concerns, the case escalated to the EU Court of Justice, where Hungary could face fines.
Passed by the ruling Fidesz party, the law bans foreign funding of political parties and imposes up to three years in prison for violations. It also sets up an Office for the Defence of Sovereignty to monitor and counter foreign political influence. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán defends the law, claiming it protects Hungary from foreign meddling and “liberal values” pushed by Brussels.
Other EU members have until February 27 to request participation in the case.
