Situation: A few days before assuming the presidency of the European Union, Hungary has adopted a controversial press law. The law increases the oversight of media organizations, including private vehicles of communication.
 
On 1 January 2011, Hungary will assume the presidency of the European Council for six months. The same day, a highly controversial press law comes into force in the country. Fidesz, the right-wing government, managed to pass the legislation late on Tuesday (December 21, 2010), using its two-thirds majority in Parliament, was 256 votes for and 87 against, no abstentions. In Budapest, some 1,500 people protested against the approval. To the protesters, press freedom and rule of law are threatened.

Control
Under the new code, the newly established national body supervising the media and telecommunications NMHH will control the TV channels and private radio, and newspapers and Internet portals. The NMHH, founded in July, already decided on the budget and staffing of the public broadcasting stations and the state news agency MIT, thereby centralizing the roof of vehicles.

Given the broad powers of the new authority of the press, composed solely of members loyal to the government, the critical voices in the media in Hungary could face sanctions. Neither private enterprises outside the control of the new law.

Censorship
The new agency could for example, temporarily closing essays and impose severe punishments: a fine newspapers and online vehicle can reach 90 thousand euro, while up to 700 000 Euro shall be charged for radio and television stations. The business media can also be subject to payment of fines, which can reach 7,000 euro.

It is the responsibility of interpreting the drivers to decide whether there was any violation of the "collective interests and morals.” Curiously, that the party punished after protest appeal is granted in court, the fine imposed shall be paid immediately. How the process can take several years, this puts at risk the livelihoods of journalists and the media.

Reaction and criticism
Brussels almost did not comment on the matter. Hungarian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gergely Prohl, sees the new law as part of the context of fundamental rights and democratic values of the European Union.