Topic: Rule of law

The Article 7 procedure concerning Hungary, which has been ongoing since 2018, focuses on serious breaches of the EU’s fundamental values, covering several rule of law and human rights issues not addressed by other EU procedures. The new government of Hungary has made several welcome commitments to address the systemic problems that have developed over the past decade and a half in the areas covered by the procedure, but addressing these properly is a longer-term process.

The prosecution has dropped all charges against the organisers of Budapest and Pécs Pride marches, ending a legal battle that began after the government’s 2025 crackdown on LGBTQI-related public demonstrations. The decision marks a significant setback for attempts to restrict Pride events and confirms that the exercise of fundamental rights cannot be criminalised, while underscoring the need for broader legal reforms to bring Hungarian law back into line with European human rights standards.

The Hungarian Helsinki Committee has updated its Cemented website to document how long Fidesz-appointed officeholders can remain in their posts.

The 2026 Citizen Election Report is a joint initiative of leading Hungarian civil society organisations active in election monitoring: 20k – Free Vote, the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, K-Monitor, Mérték Media Monitor, and Political Capital. It aims to provide an authentic Hungarian perspective on the 2026 parliamentary elections, drawing on analyses by experts with decades of experience, as well as firsthand accounts of hundreds of ballot counters, election observers, and voters. 

Hungary has voted for change. Now comes the hard work of restoring the rule of law. We, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, look forward to playing our part.

Ahead of the April 12 elections, our latest briefing note is for everyone monitoring or closely following the Hungarian elections. We focus on selected aspects of the electoral environment that could be particularly relevant on … Read more

Background materials for election observation missions and delegations

The 2026 Hungarian parliamentary elections are taking place in a highly polarised political environment, marked by entrenched systemic distortions in electoral competition. Recent developments confirm that the primary risks to electoral integrity stem not from … Read more

Recent developments in Hungary once again highlight how the “state of danger” is a tool to concentrate powers in the hands of the executive. Our one-pager explains the deficient framework and how it is abused in practice.

This morning, the Pécs District Prosecutor’s Office informed Géza Buzás-Hábel, the organizer of last Fall’s Pécs Pride, that charges had been brought against him for organizing Pécs Pride. The prosecutor’s office has turned to the Pécs District Court for violation of the freedom of association and assembly, which could impose up to one year of imprisonment. 

For the seventh year in a row, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee is contributing to the European Commission’s annual Rule of Law Report in coordination with other Hungarian human rights and anti-corruption CSOs in the framework of the stakeholder consultation launched by the European Commission.

In a joint submission to the Council of Europe, HCLU and HHC highlight the Hungarian government’s continued failure to reform the national minority voting system in spite of a European Court of Human Rights judgment, leaving most minorities without a real chance of parliamentary representation before the 2026 elections.

In April 2026, the Hungarian parliamentary elections will be a pivotal moment for democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law in Hungary and for the entire European Union. There is a serious likelihood that they will be marred, yet again, by grave violations of both domestic and international standards for democratic elections.

As an electoral body, the Hungarian National Election Commission is unable to level the playing field, which favours the governing parties.

Study on Innovative Practices of Civil Society Regarding the EU Rule of Law Toolbox

Since the last general election on 3 April 2022, the Hungarian Parliament has passed several amendments to the legal framework relating to elections.

In December 2022, European Union institutions suspended and tied to conditions Hungary’s access to EU funds under various procedures due to severe breaches of the rule of law and human rights. Ahead of the upcoming … Read more

A new handbook is published to support civil society in building strong communities of practice and the first ‘Caring to Include’ toolkit can be accessed that is developed to strengthen the well-being of staff and volunteers who support refugees and people seeking protection.

Persistent systemic challenges continue to affect Hungary’s compliance with OSCE commitments related to democratic elections. Numerous long-standing OSCE/ODIHR recommendations remain unaddressed. The most pressing issues cumulatively contribute to an electoral environment that questions the overall fairness of the process.

Háttér Society, the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (HCLU), and the Hungarian Helsinki Committee (HHC) have jointly submitted input to the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association for her 2026 thematic report … Read more