European Union: Filed lawsuit against the European Union over alleged invalidity of Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 establishing a common framework for media services (Hungary v EU/Case C-486/24)

On 10 July 2024, Hungary filed a lawsuit against the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, seeking to annul Regulation (EU) 2024/1083, which establishes a framework for media services in the internal market. In particular, Hungary argues that the regulation lacks a proper legal basis, as it governs non-economic aspects of media services, such as cultural matters and national security that should remain under the control of Member States. Furthermore, it was highlighted that the regulation improperly applies Article 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union on harmonisation of national regulations. Moreover, Hungary asserts that the regulation violates the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, as it legislates on issues already regulated effectively at the national level. By imposing a regulation rather than a directive, it limits the ability of Member States to adopt their own measures. Furthermore, Hungary argues that the regulation introduces legal uncertainty by using vague terms and concepts, making it difficult for Member States to interpret and apply the law. In addition to seeking the annulment of the entire regulation, Hungary challenges specific provisions, including those related to the European Board for Media Services, which it claims breach the principles of legal clarity and overstepping of EU authority.