EC to examine Hungarian gov'nt policies

The European Commission (EC) is to examine whether the amendment to the Hungarian higher education law, which he said threatened the Central European University in Budapest with closure, complies with the fundamental values of the European Union, first Vice-President of the EC, Frans Timmermans, announced.

The amendment may infringe on European laws such as the freedom to provide services and the freedom of establishment, Timmermans said, adding that the investigation would be objective and fact-based, and would be concluded as soon as possible.

Timmermans also said that the EC plans to address the Hungarian government’s latest campaign entitled “Stop Brussels!”. He also said the commission would use all possible means to protect EU fundamental values in Hungary, and a decision on its next move would be made before the end of April. He told a press conference in Brussels that the EC believes the situation in Hungary is reason for concern and an assessment of whether the recent actions of the Hungarians authorities conform to EU law is needed.

In response, Hungarian government officials dismissed the EC Vice President's words and claimed that those were directed against Hungary because of its stance on immigration.