European Commission Takes Hungary to Court Over Rail Regulation
Hungary's train traffic management criticized for lack of independence, leading to legal action from the EU.
Brussels – The European Commission has initiated legal proceedings against Hungary in the EU Court of Justice, citing concerns over the independence of the country's train traffic management.
The Commission's action follows Hungary's failure to establish an independent regulatory authority for rail transport, which is mandated by the Single European Railway Area Directive.
Instead, Hungary's rail regulatory functions are carried out by a department within the Ministry of Construction and Transport, thereby placing it under governmental control.
The European Commission first issued a notice to Hungary in July 2021, emphasizing the need for corrective measures.
Despite subsequent reminders and requests to comply with EU regulations, Hungary's position remained unchanged, prompting the Commission to escalate the matter to the court in November 2023.
This legal action is part of a broader context in which Hungary faces EU sanctions related to its adherence to the rule of law.
The government has been under scrutiny for issues regarding judicial independence, which has implications beyond the rail sector.
Concerns about the non-independence of the judiciary have contributed to discussions about potential consequences, including the suspension of Hungary's voting rights in the EU Council.
The ongoing situation reflects significant tensions between Hungary and EU institutions regarding democratic governance and regulatory compliance.
The Commission's action follows Hungary's failure to establish an independent regulatory authority for rail transport, which is mandated by the Single European Railway Area Directive.
Instead, Hungary's rail regulatory functions are carried out by a department within the Ministry of Construction and Transport, thereby placing it under governmental control.
The European Commission first issued a notice to Hungary in July 2021, emphasizing the need for corrective measures.
Despite subsequent reminders and requests to comply with EU regulations, Hungary's position remained unchanged, prompting the Commission to escalate the matter to the court in November 2023.
This legal action is part of a broader context in which Hungary faces EU sanctions related to its adherence to the rule of law.
The government has been under scrutiny for issues regarding judicial independence, which has implications beyond the rail sector.
Concerns about the non-independence of the judiciary have contributed to discussions about potential consequences, including the suspension of Hungary's voting rights in the EU Council.
The ongoing situation reflects significant tensions between Hungary and EU institutions regarding democratic governance and regulatory compliance.
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