Hungary Establishes Sovereignty Protection Office to Safeguard National Interests against Foreign Influence

Published: December 13 2023

Hungary has taken steps to protect its national sovereignty by establishing the Sovereignty Protection Office. This office aims to safeguard Hungary's interests against foreign influence and enforce stricter regulations regarding foreign campaign donations.

Lawmakers in Hungary recognized the increasing threat to their country's sovereignty through unlawful attacks and foreign entities attempting to gain influence. The preamble of the law highlights the millions of US dollars in campaign donations received by the left-wing opposition ahead of the 2022 general election. It emphasizes the potential harm to Hungary's sovereignty and the national security risk posed by political forces dependent on foreign entities.

In line with a constitutional amendment proposal, the Sovereignty Protection Office will be formed as an autonomous state administration authority. It will play a crucial role in uncovering and analyzing foreign influence operations. The head of the office, appointed by the President of the Republic, will serve a six-year term starting in February 2024.

The primary task of the Sovereignty Protection Office is to analyze information submitted by organizations under investigation to determine if national sovereignty is being enforced. It will also recommend measures and legislation aimed at protecting Hungary's sovereignty. Additionally, the office will finance research activities and compile an annual sovereignty report by June 30, which includes a sovereignty risk analysis.

One of the key responsibilities of the Sovereignty Protection Office is to uncover any interest representation or disinformation activities carried out in the interest of other states or foreign organizations. It will also identify and investigate organizations that receive support from abroad with the intention of influencing elections. The Penal Code has been amended to hold candidates or members of organizations accountable if they make use of foreign money or conceal the origin of prohibited foreign funding.

Hungary's establishment of the Sovereignty Protection Office showcases its commitment to safeguarding national interests and protecting its sovereignty against foreign influence. With its independent body and stricter regulations on foreign campaign donations, Hungary aims to ensure that decisions made within the country benefit its citizens and not foreign entities.

What is the Sovereignty Protection Office in Hungary? The Sovereignty Protection Office is an independent body established to safeguard Hungary's national sovereignty and protect against foreign influence. It was established through a law approved by lawmakers in Hungary.

Why was the Sovereignty Protection Office established? The office was established in response to unlawful attacks against Hungary's sovereignty, with foreign entities attempting to gain influence in the country to enforce their own interests. The law aims to counteract these threats and protect Hungary's national security.

What is the role of the Sovereignty Protection Office? The office's main role is to uncover and investigate foreign influence operations in Hungary, particularly those that may influence the outcome of elections. It will analyze information submitted by organizations under investigation to assess if national sovereignty is being enforced and recommend measures and legislation to protect Hungary's sovereignty. The office will also engage in research activities.

Who appoints the head of the Sovereignty Protection Office? The head of the office is appointed by the President of the Republic at the proposal of the prime minister. The appointment is for a six-year term, starting on February 1, 2024.

What are some of the tasks of the Sovereignty Protection Office? The office is tasked with assessing activities funded from abroad that may influence decision-making by the state and society. It is also responsible for uncovering interest representation or disinformation activities carried out in the interest of other states or foreign organizations. Additionally, the office will identify and investigate organizations that receive support from abroad for the purpose of influencing elections.

What is the deadline for the Sovereignty Protection Office to submit an annual report? By June 30 of each year, the office is required to compile an annual sovereignty report, which includes a sovereignty risk analysis.

What are the penalties for accepting foreign campaign donations in Hungary? The Penal Code has been amended to introduce criminal sanctions for accepting foreign campaign donations. A candidate or member of the organization nominating them that made use of foreign money or gained a financial advantage by concealing the origin of the prohibited foreign funding is criminally liable and faces up to three years in prison.