Head of EP delegation to Budapest speaks of palpable change, but shortcomings too

The chair of the European Parliament's (EP) delegation that visited Hungary this week spoke on Wednesday about a “palpable change” in the country. Sophie Wilmès stressed that they had met with many people during their three-day visit—including representatives from the judiciary, civil society, and opposition parties, as well as members of the government and the president.

According to her, the previous government was hostile, unwilling to cooperate, and under its rule, the situation continued to deteriorate. Among other things, this was seen in the fact that it governed through emergency decrees and fast-tracked legislation, there was pressure on the judiciary, the government’s narrative dominated the media, and independent organizations were forced to operate in a hostile environment. She noted that during their visit last year, they had also seen posters attacking European politicians.

Since the government change, attacks against civic activists have ceased; the Constitutional Court can once again deliver rulings on tax-related matters; and its president is elected by the judges without political pressure. She also highlighted the establishment of the National Office for Asset Recovery and Protection (NVVH) and Hungary’s accession to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. These steps have all had an impact: the Council of the European Union has terminated the rule-of-law conditionality procedure.

She also added that limiting the term of parliamentary representatives to 12 years raised genuine concerns, noted shortcomings with regard to LGBTQ+ rights, and remarked that certain laws had been pushed through too hastily. The representatives also met with journalists associated with the previous government and inquired about the limits of the NVVH’s authority.

Restoring the rule of law does not happen overnight, and they see that the will is certainly there, but it takes time.

“The one million dollar question, of course remains the Article 7 procedure”, she said, adding that they won’t be drawing any conclusions on that now, because that’s not what they were authorized to do—they don’t represent the entire European Parliament—but they can provide information.

The delegation from the European Parliament, consisting of eight MEPs, was visiting Hungary between October 26 to 28. According to an official statement from the European Parliament, the delegation reviewed the developments which have been implemented since the April 2026 election.

What is the Article 7 procedure, and what does it have to do with this visit?

During their visit, the representatives held consultations with senior government officials, parliamentary committees, and opposition parties. They also met with representatives of the Constitutional Court, the National Judicial Council, anti-corruption agencies, civil society organizations, and the press.

The eight members of the European Parliament represent eight different parliamentary groups. The delegation was led by the liberal Sophie Wilmès. Joining her—as the sole Hungarian member—was András László from Fidesz. The far-left and far-right parliamentary groups each sent one member, while the Greens were represented by Tineke Strik.

Strik is the rapporteur for the “Article 7” procedure, which the EP initiated against Hungary back in 2018 but which has made no progress since then. Under this procedure, certain rights arising from EU membership—such as a government’s voting rights—could be suspended if member state ministers determine that there has been a violation of the EU’s fundamental values, but they are nowhere near taking such a step.

As Strik told Telex back in May, the fact-finding mission scheduled for this October will be “the perfect moment to consult with those involved” about whether they are satisfied with how things are working in practice. This could lead to our report including a recommendation for withdrawal.”

A debate on the situation in Hungary has already been added to the agenda of the European Parliament’s plenary session scheduled for late November, with a vote expected on a resolution at the next session—a point Wilmès also alluded to on Wednesday. She did not want to go into details, but indicated that, as the initiator, the European Parliament would be taking the first step.

At Wednesday’s press conference, Strik, like Wilmès, described the atmosphere as different from that during their previous visit—not only with regard to civil society groups but also with regard to the authorities, who were cooperative now. Like Wilmès, she saw progress, but she also noted that there are still areas in need of improvement—for example, as regards the refugee agency—where they would like to see a balanced system in place by the next election.

A delegation and the parliamentary group (Patriots for Europe) the former Hungarian ruling parties belong to in the EP had proposed that the EP delegation also examine the circumstances under which Balázs Hankó, Miklós Seszták, and Balázs Bús are being held, but the delegation did not pay them a visit.

Last year, the PfE did not delegate anyone for the same visit; according to Strik, at the time, the parliamentary group had decided to skip participation. Members of the Hungarian government at the time spoke of the visit being an attack against Hungary, claiming that “Péter “Brussels” and Kinga Kollár” had summoned them, even though similar delegations from the European Parliament regularly visit member states.