EU avoids confrontation with Hungary

Only a few days before the deadline set by the EU for Hungary to begin discussing its controversial media law expires, Budapest has agreed to talks but has made it clear that there will be no major changes to the legislation. The left-wing liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung considers it inappropriate that the EU has nonetheless welcomed this step: "The horse trading between Brussels and Budapest might calm the debate surrounding the Hungarian press law somewhat. But the European Union should be deeply concerned. By making such minimal invasive measures the commission is also forfeiting its rights as guardian of the treaties. These are designed to ensure that all member states uphold the EU's values and basic rights, one of these being the freedom of the press. ... The Commission is using formal judicial arguments to avoid having to steer what is undoubtedly a difficult path, one however which is laid out by the Treaty to keep the EU out of harm's way. It is therefore not only damaging the EU's image, it is also sending out a signal to all member states that Brussels will only safeguard fundamental rights to a minimal extent, if at all."

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