MEPs Praise Hungary’s Reform Push

A European Parliament delegation has welcomed what it described as major progress in Hungary’s rule-of-law reforms, while warning that significant challenges remain. The Civil Liberties Committee delegation visited Budapest from Oct. 26 to 28, following Hungary’s April 2026 elections and pledges by the new government to restore democratic safeguards.

The delegation said reforms introduced in recent months include ending emergency rule by decree, abolishing the Sovereignty Protection Office, strengthening judicial and anti-corruption measures, and joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. It also cited new safeguards for media independence and the repeal of provisions affecting LGBTIQ+ people in the Child Protection Law.

Sophie Wilmès, who led the delegation, said the pace and scale of the changes marked a “striking” contrast with the group’s previous visit in 2025. The developments have also been reflected at the European level, including a recent Council decision to lift budgetary conditionality measures concerning Hungary.

MEPs nevertheless identified concerns over judicial independence, high-level corruption investigations, media concentration and remaining restrictions on LGBTIQ+ rights. They also called for further reforms covering electoral law, media ownership and state advertising, asylum procedures, constitutional arrangements and minority rights.

The delegation will submit its findings to the Civil Liberties Committee. A plenary debate and resolution on Hungary are expected during upcoming European Parliament sessions, although the delegation said it had reached no conclusions on the future of the EU’s Article 7 procedure.