Viktor Orbán accused of giving €1bn in unlawful media subsidies in Hungary

EU faces new pressure as Hungarian outlets file complaint over Viktor Orbán's alleged media funding.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at a press conference in Budapest on April 3, 2025. Photo by Attila Kisbenedek/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Viktor Orbán’s government is facing new accusations of distributing more than €1 billion in unlawful media subsidies, in a case that could deepen tensions between Hungary and the European Union. Two Hungarian media organizations, Magyar Hang and another outlet requesting anonymity, revealed plans to file an official complaint with the European Commission, alleging state funds were funneled toward pro-Orbán media from 2015 to 2023.

The claim centers around concerns that public advertising revenue was strategically directed to newspapers, television stations, and online platforms loyal to Viktor Orbán, effectively crowding out independent journalism. Viktor Orbán unlawful media subsidies highlights the broader fear that these actions were designed to tighten his grip on power.

Over the years, Orbán, often described as the EU’s most pro-Russia leader, has frequently clashed with Brussels over his vision of transforming Hungary into an “illiberal state.” His government has faced a series of EU sanctions and legal challenges for restricting judicial independence, curtailing media freedom, and undermining academic institutions.

Allegations of unlawful state support for pro-Orbán media

Kai-Uwe Kühn, a former European Commission competition official who co-authored an economic study supporting the complaint, emphasized a direct connection between rising advertising revenue and the editorial shift of various media outlets. "You can see a dramatic increase in advertising once a media organization aligns itself with the government," Kühn explained, underscoring how the Viktor Orbán unlawful media subsidies distorted fair competition in Hungary's media landscape.

According to the study, many independent Hungarian media organizations faced immense financial strain as a result of being excluded from lucrative government advertising contracts. The complaint argues that this practice violated EU competition laws by using public funds to support politically aligned media, while simultaneously weakening critical voices.

Press freedom concerns mount in Hungary

Independent journalists operating under Viktor Orbán's government have increasingly found it difficult to survive, with state subsidies creating an uneven playing field. Lukács Csaba, managing director of Magyar Hang, highlighted the challenges faced by non-aligned outlets, noting, “We are targeted by smear campaigns and frequent lawsuits.”

Hungary has been consistently ranked among the lowest in the EU for press freedom by organizations such as Reporters Without Borders. The Viktor Orbán media funding scandal reflects a broader trend of media consolidation under government influence, where once-independent titles have either collapsed or been taken over by Orbán-linked business figures.

Orbán’s so-called "system of national cooperation" has long been criticized as a mechanism for rewarding political loyalty with state contracts and other benefits. In the media sector, critics argue this has translated into blatant favoritism, eroding the plurality of viewpoints essential for a healthy democracy.

Growing calls for EU action against Hungary

The latest complaint builds on previous allegations filed in 2019, when other independent Hungarian outlets accused the government of illegal state aid through preferential public advertising. However, the European Commission’s investigation into those claims remains ongoing.

Oliver Bretz of Euclid Law, representing the current complainants, voiced frustration over the Commission’s slow response. "If this were any other sector outside of media, the Commission would have acted far quicker," Bretz said, adding that the Viktor Orbán unlawful media subsidies case represents a particularly “egregious” example of state aid abuse.

The growing impatience among Hungarian journalists and civil society groups is also fueled by wider concerns over the EU’s ability to enforce its own rules when democratic standards are threatened within member states.

Political stakes rise ahead of Hungary's general election

The complaint over Viktor Orbán's media funding practices comes at a critical moment politically. Hungary is heading into general elections next year, which are shaping up as the most serious test of Orbán’s rule in decades.

Tisza, a newly formed opposition party led by former Fidesz insider Péter Magyar, has criticized Orbán’s strategy of consolidating control over the media, judiciary, and economy. After achieving a strong performance in last year’s European Parliament elections, Magyar has emerged as a credible challenger to Orbán’s political dominance.

Tisza’s success highlights growing public discontent with Viktor Orbán's governance model, including the media subsidies controversy. Péter Magyar’s campaign is capitalizing on widespread frustration over corruption allegations and shrinking press freedoms in Hungary.

EU legal challenges against Hungary continue

In parallel to the new complaint, the European Commission has launched legal proceedings against Hungary over a controversial security law, citing violations of EU rules on privacy, freedom of expression, and freedom of association.

These moves underscore a growing willingness within Brussels to confront what many see as systematic democratic backsliding under Viktor Orbán. Yet, for critics like Bretz and the independent media outlets, the real test will be whether the European Commission can act swiftly and decisively in the Viktor Orbán unlawful media subsidies case.

Hungarian government's silence over the allegations

Despite repeated requests for comment, Hungary’s government declined to respond to the Financial Times about the latest accusations. A spokesperson for the European Commission stated they had "no specific comment" on the fresh complaint, though the ongoing assessment of earlier allegations continues.

Meanwhile, pressure is mounting for the EU to send a strong signal that manipulation of media through state subsidies will not be tolerated among its member states.

As the Viktor Orbán media funding scandal unfolds, many in Europe are closely watching Brussels’ next move — which could significantly influence Hungary’s political landscape ahead of the crucial 2026 general elections.