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The politicisation of EU law enforcement by the European Commission undermines fundamental rights. RECLAIM has requested the Commission to disclose its internal guidelines on the handling of EU Pilot and formal infringement proceedings to provide greater transparency into the process.

In this third factsheet on Hungary's anti-LGBTIQ+ propaganda law, we include the latest updates on its implementation and we explore the ripple effects that this court case can have for LGBTIQ+ and children's rights in Europe.

This one-pager provides journalists with essential resources for in-depth, real-time coverage of Case C-679/22, Commission v Hungary (Anti-Gay Propaganda Law). It includes information on how to get accredited, the hearing’s recording rules, and remote attendance options. Follow RECLAIM’s live updates and register in our forms to receive a post-hearing press kit with expert analysis and quotes.

With the spread of anti-LGBTIQ initiatives across Europe, transparency is essential to ensure that EU funds are not misused for projects that violate fundamental rights. This document provides information on how the European Commission assesses Member States' compliance with CFREU in the management of funds under the Common Provisions Regulation. The document was disclosed following an access to documents request by a European citizen.

This legal opinion analyses how the law breaches EU internal market freedoms, two directives on non-discrimination in employment and occupation as well as several fundamental rights - and why it should be challenged without delay before the CJEU. The law's breaches of EU law could result in aprox. EUR 650million fund freezing to the country.

Our legal opinion exposes substantial breaches of EU law, including GDPR violations, impediments to the free movement of goods, services, capitals, and workers, and infringements of EU Charter of fundamental rights. It argues Articles 2 and 10 TEU have also been violated. Recommendations include accelerating the infringement procedure, requesting interim measures and maintain the fund freezing against Hungary. Explore our full analysis and recommendations.

RECLAIM has requested the European Commission to release the documents related to the disbursement of EUR 10 billion to Hungary under the Common Provisions Regulation. According to the Commission, Hungary had met the requirements of "independence of the judiciary" needed to access such funds, but civil society organisations and the European Parliament question such decision.

RECLAIM’s Helpdesk is dedicated to supporting local human rights defenders work ethically and responsibly. If our joint advocacy leads to backlash from governments or anti-rights actors, RECLAIM has a "solidarity safety belt" to minimize risks. Should retaliation occur, here’s what you can expect:

RECLAIM has co-signed a letter addressed at European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Vice-President Věra Jourová standing in solidarity with Transparency International Hungary and Átlátszó. Both organisations have been subject to an investigation by the Sovereignty Protection Office.

This document suggests a course of action to contest the activities of the Hungarian Sovereignty Protection Office.
Section 1 explains why the Office’s activities can be challenged before a national court. Section 2 outlines the recommended formulation of preliminary reference questions to be submitted to the Court of Justice of the EU.

On 12 December 2023, Hungary passed Act LXXXVIII of 2023 on the Protection of National Sovereignty, which created a so-called Sovereignty Protection Office (SPO). In effect, the SPO can be used to humiliate and discredit anyone whose opinions the government opposes. The government is already investigating Péter Magyar, who is Prime Minister Orbán's main rival, and NGOs face even more pressure. Download our factsheet to get all the information you need in less than 5 minutes.

This is an unofficial English machine translation proofread by a Hungarian native speaker of the report published 6th May 2024 by the Committee on European Affairs of the Hungarian National Assembly on its investigative activities aimed at “exposing the political actions of the left against Hungarian interests in Brussels”.

This document contains details about the ongoing legal action taken by the European Parliament against the European Commission after the controversial release of about €10 billion that was previously blocked due to rule of law concerns in Hungary. We explore the legal framework, provide an overview of the potential legal arguments by the EP and offer recommendations for Member States' action.

This is an unofficial English translation prepared by RECLAIM of the report published 22nd May 2024 by the Sovereignty Protection Office under the title: Report on the investigation of footage
published on social platform X.

Our legal opinion exposes substantial breaches of EU law, including GDPR violations, impediments to the free movement of goods, services, capitals, and workers, and infringements of fundamental EU Charter rights. It argues Articles 2 and 10 of the TEU have also been violated. Recommendations include accelerating the infringement procedure and requesting interim measures against Hungary.

In this letter, RECLAIM and five other international civil rights groups dedicated to upholding democracy respectfully request that the Commission expedites the infringement procedure and request interim measures to ensure the integrity of the 2024 European Parliament elections. Download it below

RECLAIM urges Polish Ministers Sikorski and Bodnar to join EU case C-769/22 against Hungary's anti-LGBT law. Participation would boost trust in Polish institutions, strengthen EU relations, counter foreign interference, and affirm Poland's commitment to universal human rights. Read our joint letter with Háttér and Forbidden Colours here.

The 2023 RECLAIM Annual Report highlights a pivotal year of achievements and challenges in defending human rights and the rule of law in Europe. Key accomplishments include coordinating the EU's largest human rights lawsuit against Hungary’s anti-LGBTIQ+ laws and co-launching the United4Diversity coalition to fight the anti-gender movement. RECLAIM also secured new donor support after overcoming underfunding, enabling the expansion of their EU Law Helpdesk in 2024.

In this second factsheet on Hungary's anti-LGBTIQ+ propaganda law, we include updates on its implementation by Hungarian authorities and we explore the content of the lawsuit and the pleas in law discussed, highlighting the relevance of bringing Article 2 TEU before the Court.

Hungary adopted in July 2021 a Russian-styled anti-LGBTIQ+ propaganda law. The law imposes bans on the broadcast and sale of content with LGBTIQ+ characters, as well as inclusive sex education. The European Commission brought the law before the CJEU.
We break down its details, consequences and the procedural path of the lawsuit.

RECLAIM places great emphasis on the transparency and openness of its activities. Regardless you are a donor or a supporter, you can read about our activities, our donors and more in this document.

RECLAIM has been operative since February 27, 2020. This booklet contains our by-laws and an in-depth explanation of RECLAIM’s governance, including the division of programmatic, financial oversight and management responsibilities between RECLAIM’s different decision-making structures

This booklet describes responsibilities and decision-making processes on finance issues, the procedures for approving the purchase of goods/commissioning of services, and the systems we have in place to avoid conflict of interests and corruption risks.

RECLAIM organises the workplace in such a way that psychosocial risks (Violence at work, Harassment in the workplace, Unwanted sexual behaviour) are minimized. Any substantial suspicion of (sexual) exploitation, abuse and/or harassment can be reported to the RECLAIM Chair and will be handled with full confidentiality by an independent complaints committee. RECLAIM staff can also send their complaints to an external mediator. Read more about our internal policies

All RECLAIM employees are obligated to follow RECLAIM’s Anti-corruption policy and report breaches of the policy. All corruption incidents in RECLAIM, partner organisations or other incidents related to RECLAIM activities must be reported into the complaint mechanism. Read more about our policy here or visit https://www.reclaiming.eu/feedback

RECLAIM Staff Handbook describes the rules to ensure its staff’s health and well-being, the contract terms, and the applicable code of conduct and procedures - including the policies to prevent and address workplace bullying and sexual harassment, child abuse and corruption

In the unlikely event that an NGO becomes the focus of an unfounded EU funding investigation, its managers should know how to respond. This policy handbook analyses the EU legal framework and the Commission's internal procedures to help NGOs limit disruption – including the risk of seeing their EU projects funds suspended or cut. It also provides recommendations to the donors on how to balance their obligation to investigate all serious allegations of fraud and their responsibility to protect civic space.

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Over the last years, the LGBT+ community in Poland became the target of increasing defamatory campaigns and discriminatory policies, culminating with the establishment of LGBT-free zones. In this legal briefing, we argue that the creation of such zones amounts to a violation of EU law on internal market and fundamental freedoms. Read more about what EU institutions and Member States can do to protect LGBT+ people in this executive summary and get in touch for the full legal opinion.