Letter to the Members of the European Parliament
Dear Colleagues,
In Hungary, democracy belongs to the people, not to foreign powers or their proxies.
Recent scandals at the level of the European Union shed light on the outsized influence of political lobby organizations, which pretend to represent civil society, but in fact pursue political goals.
Investigations and public disclosures in recent years have also revealed that millions of dollars, primarily from American and Brussels-based entities, were funneled into Hungarian activist groups and media outlets with clear left-liberal ideological agendas. These organizations spread propaganda that goes against Hungary’s national interests. Based on lies and distorted facts, they laid the groundwork for political and legal attacks against Hungary. They sought to weaken the country’s border protection capabilities and prevent Hungarians from accessing EU funds to which they are entitled.
In the aftermath of the USAID scandal, no one can ignore this reality anymore and we must draw clear lines: in Hungary, foreign-funded organizations can no longer operate in the shadows.
Like all European citizens, Hungarians have the right to know who finance those organizations that exert political influence in their country. Just as political parties are banned from receiving foreign funds under EU rules, non-party actors should be subject to scrutiny when their operations affect public decision-making.
On 13 May 2025, a bill “On the Transparency of Public Life” was submitted to the Hungarian Parliament. The new legislative proposal aims at safeguarding national sovereignty by countering covert foreign influence in public life. It establishes a new regulatory framework targeting organizations that receive foreign funding and participate in shaping Hungarian political discourse.
At the core of the legislation is a newly established registry. Organizations engaging in activities that influence Hungarian public life—such as advocacy during election periods, lobbying in legislative matters, or attempting to sway public opinion—must register if they receive financial support from abroad. Before accepting foreign funds, these organizations must obtain official authorization. Their leaders will be required to file public asset declarations.
The proposed bill takes inspiration from the United States, drawing a comparison with America’s Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), but Hungary’s version is more sophisticated and much milder. Foreign-financed organizations in the U.S. must also register and face oversight if they act under the influence of foreign powers.
In today’s geopolitical climate, defending sovereignty is no longer a theoretical concern—it is a practical necessity. Hungary’s new legislation sets a precedent in protecting democratic institutions from external manipulation and reaffirms the nation’s right to self-governance.
Ultimately, Hungary’s transparency bill stands as both a legal and political statement: that democracy in Hungary must remain accountable to Hungarians alone.
Kinga Gál, President of the Hungarian Delegation of the Patriots for Europe Group
Tamás Deutsch, Head of the Hungarian Delegation of the Patriots for Europe Group