BRUSSELS — The European Union executive on Wednesday openly questioned Hungary’s commitment to the bloc’s fundamental values and launched an investigation of a Hungarian law which is widely seen in Europe as targeting the Central European University, founded by billionaire George Soros.
EU Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans said that the investigation would be completed “as soon as possible” and that the commission would consider what steps to take next by the end of April, the same weekend the EU leaders will be holding a summit in Brussels.
He said the probe will look into whether the new law conflicts with EU rules and could apply to other European universities. It would also examine whether it is compatible with EU principles on the free movement of services and respects the bloc’s rules governing the admission of researchers from outside Europe.
The initiative showed the increasing frustration in the EU with the seven-year rule of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has increasingly pursued policies that go in the face of the EU ideals of close cooperation.
“Where do you want to be in this European Union?” asked Timmermans, confounded by Orban’s signature at a EU summit two weeks ago to work for a united EU while following it up with a new National Consultation that has the motto “Let’s Stop Brussels.”
“What the heck is going on?” Timmermans asked.
Orban has long planned to transform Hungary into an “illiberal state” where majority rule trumps that of minority rights and national rules trump adherence to EU standards in some areas. The plight of the Central European University has come to crystalize the debate.
