BRUSSELS — The European Union’s executive branch warned Hungary and Poland Tuesday that it will take action if they continue to violate the 27-nation bloc’s democratic standards, amid signs that both countries have little intention of changing their ways.
Hungary and Poland have faced criticism in the EU for years over allegations that they are eroding judicial and media independence, among other democratic principles. Last week, Hungary passed a new law banning content portraying or promoting homosexuality or sex reassignment to anyone under 18. “Freedom of expression needs to be protected, and no one should be discriminated [against] on the basis of sexual orientation,” European Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova said. “The commission is now looking into the law and assessing if it breaches EU law.” Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said the law “does not correspond to any values defended by the European Union. People have the right to live the way they want, really, we are no longer in the Middle Ages.”