Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday urged the European Union to address serious concerns about Hungary's commitment to the fundamental democratic principles outlined in the EU treaties. In a decisive move, the rights organization called for a vote in October to determine if Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s leadership, has breached the EU’s core values of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and equality.

The call for action stems from a series of constitutional amendments in Hungary that have notably increased governmental control over judicial independence and curtailed civil liberties. Notably, these amendments have introduced restrictions on LGBT events and public gatherings, ostensibly for "child protection." HRW argues that such measures are a direct violation of Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), which binds member states to uphold the union's foundational democratic values.

Further intensifying concerns, HRW highlighted the proposed "On the Transparency of Public Life" bill, introduced by a Hungarian lawmaker in May 2025. This bill, if passed, would grant a government-controlled body extensive powers to dismantle and defund any organization it perceives as a threat to Hungarian sovereignty. According to HRW, this could have dire consequences for civil society and the independence of the media in Hungary.

In response to these developments, HRW has advocated for the application of Article 7 of the TEU. This provision allows the EU to formally assess and act upon risks of breaches to its treaty obligations by member states, potentially leading to the suspension of certain rights within the union, including voting rights.

The backdrop to this appeal is a broader pattern of democratic backsliding in Hungary, characterized by increasing governmental control over media, civil society, and the judiciary. This trend has been documented and critiqued by various international observers, including Freedom House, which has reported systematic efforts by the Hungarian government to seize control of independent institutions, thereby exacerbating political polarization.

The implications of the EU’s response to these issues are profound, not only for Hungary but for the integrity of democratic values across the union. As the situation develops, the European Union stands at a critical juncture in its management of internal challenges to its foundational principles.