House speaker: Hungary ready for constructive dialogue with Council of Europe

Budapest (MTI) – Hungary has demonstrated on several occasions that it is ready to enter into constructive dialogue with the Council of Europe and will continue to do so, Parliamentary Speaker László Kövér said in a letter addressed to the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, forwarded to MTI by the parliament’s press office on Monday.

Kövér responded to a letter by Nils Muiznieks, in which the Commissioner had expressed concern in connection with the draft law on the transparency of NGOs supported from abroad and called on MPs to reject the law.

Kövér noted in his response that the CoE under Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland has shown an open and constructive spirit towards its member states and this has greatly contributed to the settlement of sensitive issues raised within the framework of the organisation.

“Only through negotiation and cooperation can we find long lasting solutions that reconcile the norms and principles of the organisation with legitimate national interests. I hope you share this approach,” he said.

Kövér said it is important to underline that Hungary recognises the significant contribution of non-governmental organisations to the promotion of common values and goals. These organizations also play an important role in the democratic control of the government and shaping public opinion, he added.

The right to freedom of association, as well as other connected fundamental rights, such as the freedom of assembly and the freedom of expression, are guaranteed by the fundamental law of Hungary in line with the norms of the CoE, he said.

The draft law submitted by four MPs is aimed at enhancing the transparency of funding of non-governmental organizations, Kövér said. It neither affects the basic rights associated with freedom of association, nor blocks the access of the affected organisations to resources on the grounds of nationality or country of origin, he added.