Posts Tagged Hungary
The rise of the Hungarian Viktator?
Posted by Natalie Hamill in European Union on 06/01/2012
By Lucy Hatton
There is suggestion that Hungary’s position in the European Union may no longer be tenable after the coming into force of the new Hungarian Constitution, or Fundamental Law, on 1 January. This controversial constitution has been heavily criticised for being overly right-wing and eroding the democracy so precious to Hungary since the fall of communism in the country in 1989. The contradiction between some of the provisions of the new constitution and those democratic values inherent in the treaties of the EU has led to the claim from a former US Ambassador to Budapest, that Hungary “won’t be tolerated if it no longer counts as a democracy”.
A Little Less Conversation…
Posted by Carolina Bracken in Civil Liberty, European Union, Foreign Affairs, Human Rights on 28/01/2011
Human Rights Watch World Report 2011 has slammed the EU for its overreliance on dialogue rather than action in tackling human rights abuse, and for its “obsequious” approach to known rights violators. Whilst there is no inherent harm in cooperative dialogue, the EU seems “particularly infatuated” with this discursive model.
Hungary for Change?
Posted by Natalie Hamill in European Union on 23/12/2010
Hungary is readying itself for its chance at the EU helm as Belgium’s six-month rotating EU Presidency draws to a close. One of the newer EU member states (Hungary joined in 2004), this is their first opportunity to take on the EU Presidency role (member state take it in turns to hold the position for six-months) and it is unashamedly optimistic about the achievements possible under its mediation. Due to take over in January, what should we expect to see develop under Hungary’s guidance?
