Commission calls on Hungary to comply with European Media Freedom Act and Audiovisual Media Services Directive

The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the main provisions of which entered into application on 8 August 2025, is a key piece of legislation to protect media freedom, independence and pluralism within the EU’s internal market. As regards the EMFA, the Commission takes the view that Hungary does not comply with provisions regarding interference in the work of journalists and media outlets in Hungary, restricting their economic activities and editorial freedom. Moreover, the Commission considers that Hungarian law does not offer an adequate protection of journalistic sources and confidential communications, nor effective judicial protection when these rights are breached. Hungary also fails to comply with requirements relating to the public service media, the transparency of media ownership, the assessment of media market concentrations and the allocation of State advertising. Finally, Hungary is also in breach of certain requirements in relation to national media regulatory authorities under the AVMSD. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Hungary, which now has two months to respond and address the concerns raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.

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