EU voices 'grave concerns' over Hungarian media laws

(BRUSSELS) - The EU's executive arm voiced "grave concerns" over Hungary's controversial media laws Thursday, warning the threat of big fines for breaking the rules can lead to self-censorship.

The European Commission urged Hungary's government to follow recommendations made by the Council of Europe, the body that monitors fundamental rights on the continent.

"I continue to have grave concerns about the current situation in Hungary," commission vice president Neelie Kroes, who oversees media and digital affairs, told the European Parliament's civil liberties committee.

"Private investors and international institutions need to know they have full access to independent media analysis," Kroes said.

Citing the "threat of the current media law to freedom of the press," she voiced concerns about rules that threaten Hungarian fines against media companies.

"The danger of high fines for breaching unclear rules can result in self-censorship, even if no fines are ever imposed," she said.

The conservative government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban has faced international criticism over a raft of new laws that some denounce as a slide towards authoritarianism.

The European Commission launched legal action against Hungary last month over contested reforms of its judiciary, central bank and data protection authority.