Hungary proposes law targeting foreign-funded organisations

Hungary’s parliament is reviewing a draft law that would give authorities sweeping powers to investigate and potentially ban organisations it deems a threat to national sovereignty, The Guardian reported. Introduced by a lawmaker from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party, the bill expands the authority of the country’s sovereignty protection office.

The proposed legislation targets groups that use foreign funding to influence public life, citing threats such as challenging Hungary’s constitutional identity or Christian values. If passed, authorities could inspect financial records, documents, and devices of listed organisations. Penalties include heavy fines and potential shutdowns for non-compliance or repeated violations.

Critics warn the law could be used to silence independent media and civil society groups. Opposition politicians liken it to Russia’s “foreign agent” law, calling it a step toward eroding democratic freedoms. The bill follows Orbán’s recent pledge to make foreign-funded organisations “legally impossible” and comes amid growing political pressure ahead of elections.