European Union vice president Frans Timmermans [official profile] announced on Wednesday that a legal assessment [press release] will be launched “as soon as possible” regarding Hungary’s recently enacted Higher Education Law. Opponents argue the law is meant to close the Central European University (CEU), and may violate European Union free movement of services and freedom of establishment requirements. A spokesman for the Hungarian government has stated [Washington Post report] that the investigation is in retaliation for Hungary’s anti-migrant positions. The CEU was founded by George Soros, who Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has previously accused of trying to “illegitimately influence his government.” Timmermans said next steps regarding legal concerns with the law will be considered at the end of the month.

Hungary has been the target of several investigations in recent years. The International Federation for Human Rights had urged [JURIST report] the EU in November to better address Hungary’s sustained attack on human rights. In February 2015, Human Rights Watch had condemned [JURIST report] the EU for not taking action against Hungary’s laws and practices relating to human rights. In 2013 the Hungarian government enacted constitutional amendments [JURIST report] after receiving criticism over its 2012 amendments. The amendments contained new rules on the recognition of religious groups, as well as modifications to the bans on political advertisements on commercial television and radio stations. The changes allowed political campaign advertisements on commercial TV and radio, but broadcasters would not be allowed to charge for them. Political parties were also be given equal air time. The Hungarian Justice Minister stated that the amendments were proposed as the result of pressure due to the harsh criticism Hungary received. HRW and other human rights groups criticized [JURIST report] the changes as “largely cosmetic,” highlighting a lack of resolve over issues surrounding weakened human rights protections in the country.