No ’fox in the henhouse’: Parliament halts anti-corruption talks under the Hungarian Government’s Watch

Today, the European Parliament's negotiators on the Anti-Corruption Directive decided to postpone trilogues with the Council on the Directive until the beginning of the Polish Presidency of the Council, starting 1 January 2025.

The Parliament's lead rapporteur, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle (D66, Netherlands), together with the majority of shadow negotiators from the other political groups, expressed deep concern about Hungary's systematic corruption and erosion of democratic standards under its current government, and strongly doubts the Hungarian Presidency of the Council's ability to lead unbiased discussions on corruption.

Rapporteur García Hermida-Van Der Walle, explained the decision:

"This Hungarian government cannot be in the driver's seat on the Anti-Corruption Directive. It would be like discussing the fences of the hen pen with the fox himself. The Fidesz government's history of deteriorating the rule of law, widespread state corruption and cronyism, and lack of transparency severely undermines its credibility in leading negotiations on this Directive designed to strengthen anti-corruption measures in the EU."

While Renew Europe remains committed to advancing the fight against corruption and promoting democratic accountability within the EU, we cannot turn a blind eye to the apparent contradictions posed by Hungary's Presidency in this critical context.

"The integrity and credibility of all EU institutions and this crucial piece of legislation must remain intact. Therefore, with the Polish Presidency less than a month away, it is in the best interest of our Union and our citizens to wait until then to start the talks with Council on the Directive", García Hermida-Van Der Walle added.