Free speech is becoming an act of resistance across Europe
In Hungary, a new law threatens to sanction media outlets receiving foreign funding, including private donations and funding from the EU. Our partner 444 is one of the main targets. This is no longer a warning: it's a direct attack on press freedom and concerns all of Europe.
We have dreaded this moment for months. What the Hungarian government has done exceeds the worst-case scenario.
On the night of the 13th May, Fidesz — Viktor Orbán's ultraconservative party, in power since 2010 — introduced a law that establishes the surveillance of media outlets and NGOs receiving "foreign funding". This includes donations from citizens living outside Hungary, as well as European grants. The official reason: to protect national sovereignty. The real reason: to suffocate critical voices, one year ahead of the legislative elections.
The text mentions serious sanctions with no possibility of appeal, fines of up to 25 times the amounts of funding received, the freezing of bank accounts, the removal of tax benefits, or even closure. The message from those in power is crystal clear: "Be silent. Or disappear."
For the Sphera Network, this threat is direct. Our partner 444.hu, one of the few independent media outlets still operating in Hungary, is a primary target. This outlet is known for its rigorous investigations, a strong net of local reporters, and editorial independence.
Last year, their investigation revealed one of the most serious political scandals in Hungary’s recent history: the authorities granted pardon to a Fidesz official involved in covering up a child abuser. Since then, 444 has faced mounting pressure: false reports about its European partnerships, threats to its funding, pending banking restrictions. A brutal, targeted, unjustifiable attack.
The stakes go well beyond Hungary. It's a warning for the entire continent.
Sphera network brings together independent and committed media outlets: StreetPress (France), VDNews (Italy), El Salto (Spain), Popaganda (Greece), 444 (Hungary), Krytyka Polityczna (Poland). Newsrooms rooted in their territories, driven by journalists who investigate and try to make sense Europe's social and political complexity. Crucial counterbalances. To bring them down is to weaken democracy itself.
Everywhere, independent newsrooms face threats — economic, legal, political — aimed at restricting their ability to inform. This is no longer about just sounding the alarm. We must resist.
The press, European institutions, NGOs, and citizens must join the resistance. Through solidarity, vigilance, and financial and political support. To defend what keeps us connected. To save the things that form the foundation of Europe: free, independent, and pluralistic access to information.
Today, 444 is the target and along with it, Hungary's independent media. Who will it be tomorrow? Free speech has now become an act of resistance, in Hungary and across Europe.
Take care of yourselves and your media.
— Francesca Festa, co-founder of the Sphera network and Development Director at Médianes.
To go further
- Want to know more about the situation in Hungary and how it affects independent journalism ? Read this summary article by 444.
- Support the work of our partner 444 by making a donation.
- Find out more about Médianes on our About us page and follow the work of our network on Sphera Network.
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