Hungary has sent its response to the European Commission regarding the infringement procedures launched because of Hungary’s laws on NGOs financed from abroad and on foreign universities, a justice ministry official said on Monday. Last month, the EC stepped up an infringement procedure against Hungary for failing to bring its amended higher education act into compliance with EU law, and for requiring civil groups to register with a court as foreign-backed groups once their foreign donations reach 7.2 million forints (EUR 23,600) a year. The EC gave Hungary one month to respond to the matters. In its response, the government presented its case that the restrictions imposed by the laws in question are necessary and proportionate. State secretary Pál Völner told a press conference that they “can’t help that the restrictions harm the interests of [US financier] George Soros,” but “not even he is above the law” in Hungary. More information is available here.
Source: Sofia News Agency