Following several exchanges with the Hungarian authorities on the drafts of the new legislation, the European Commission launched accelerated infringement proceedings against Hungary regarding he independence of its central bank and data protection authorities as well as over measures affecting the judiciary. Therefore, the Commission initiated the first stage in the EU's infringement procedure against Hungary.

The European Commission launched accelerated infringement proceedings against Hungary after concluding a detailed legal assessment of the new legislation adopted at the beginning of January. For the Commission, the Hungarian legislation conflicts with EU law by putting into question the independence of the country's central bank and data protection authorities and by the measures affecting its judiciary. Some MEPs at the Civil Liberties Committee also propose a "fundamental rights check" to determine whether there is a risk of breach of EU values in Hungary.

The three Letters of Formal Notice has been sent to Hungary by the Commission while raising further related issues with the Hungarian authorities to identify whether further action may be warranted under EU law, notably regarding the independence of the judiciary. The Hungarian authorities now have one month to respond to the Commission's concerns.

In January 2011 the Commission already intervened to amend four aspects of the Hungarian Media Law which did not respect EU law. In this case, President Barroso and Vice-Presidents Reding and Rhen sent letters in December expressing these concerns. In addition, Vice-President Kroes has repeatedly been in contact with the Hungarian authorities throughout 2011 with regard to the Hungarian Media Law case.