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Civic Space

RECLAIM Factsheet & Updates

31 Oct 2024

RECLAIM Factsheet #3 on Hungary's Anti-LGBTIQ+ Law

We summarise all you need to know for the upcoming court hearing on 19 November

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.

Rule of Law

RECLAIM Factsheet & Updates

28 Oct 2024

Press Resources for Case C-679/22, Commission v Hungary (Anti-Gay Propaganda Law)

A step-by-step guide for journalists.

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.

Transparency

Other publications

18 Oct 2024

The Commission's internal checklist on fundamental rights compliance in EU funding

This is how the Common Provisions Regulation works

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.

Civic Space, Rule of Law

RECLAIM Legal Opinions

23 Sept 2024

RECLAIM Legal Opinion: Bulgaria’s 2024 law banning comprehensive sex-ed

The Bulgarian Don't Say Gay law - adopted following Hungary's example - is a measure that bans any reference to LGBTIQ+ people in education.

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.

Civic Space

RECLAIM Legal Opinions

16 Jul 2024

RECLAIM Legal Opinion: Hungary’s "Sovereign Defense Authority" Law (v2)

This is the second version of the legal opinion, updated in light of the implementation of the Sovereignty Law

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.

Transparency

RECLAIM Factsheet & Updates

8 Jul 2024

RECLAIM FOIA: Copies of documents authorishing the release of EUR 10 billion to Hungary

The European Commission has a transparency problem

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.

Civic Space

RECLAIM Governance

1 Jul 2024

RECLAIM’s Ethics and Human Rights Defender Protection Policy

We have your back - always

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:

Civic Space

RECLAIM Factsheet & Updates

27 Jun 2024

Letter: NGOs stand in solidarity with the organisations targeted by the SPO

Read our joint letter addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner Věra Jourová.

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.

All topics

RECLAIM KYR Series

17 Jun 2024

How can one challenge the actions of the Sovereignty Protection Office in Hungarian courts?

Read our ready made Preliminary Questions

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.

Civic Space

RECLAIM Factsheet & Updates

14 Jun 2024

RECLAIM Factsheet: Hungary's new "Sovereignty Protection Office"

We break down its details and consequences

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.

All topics

Other publications

14 Jun 2024

English version of the report of the Hungarian parliament on the actions of the opposition in the European Parliament

Fidesz parliamentary majority attacks the opposition for exposing the democratic backsliding in Hungary before the EU institutions

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”.

Rule of Law

RECLAIM Legal Opinions

13 Jun 2024

Legal Opinion: European Parliament vs European Commission C-225/24

The European Parliament fights to ensure compliance with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

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.

All topics

RECLAIM Factsheet & Updates

13 Jun 2024

RECLAIM translation of the "Report on the investigation of footage published on social platform X"

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.

Civic Space

RECLAIM Legal Opinions

31 May 2024

RECLAIM Legal Opinion: Hungary’s "Sovereign Defense Authority" Law - PPT Slides

Pressed for time? Quickly download our PowerPoint summary instead of the full legal opinion!

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.

Rule of Law, Civic Space

RECLAIM Factsheet & Updates

21 May 2024

RECLAIM Letter: Urgent Call to Suspend Hungary's Law on the Defense of National Sovereignty

Read our joint letter addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner Věra Jourová.

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

Civic Space

RECLAIM Factsheet & Updates

17 Apr 2024

RECLAIM Letter: Invitation to Join the Case C-769/22 - European Commission vs. Hungary

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.

All topics

RECLAIM Governance

1 Jan 2024

RECLAIM 2023 Annual Report

A quick overview of the recent yearly achievements, our strategy and working methods

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.

Rule of Law

RECLAIM Factsheet & Updates

11 Aug 2023

RECLAIM Factsheet # 2 on Hungary's Anti-LGBTQI Law

We break down the details of the legal battle ahead

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.

Civic Space

RECLAIM Factsheet & Updates

14 Feb 2023

RECLAIM Factsheet #1 on Hungary's Anti-LGBTQI Law

We break down its details and consequences

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.

Transparency

RECLAIM Governance

29 Aug 2022

RECLAIM 2020-2022 Annual report

A quick overview of the recent yearly achievements, our strategy and working methods

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.

Transparency

RECLAIM Governance

29 Aug 2022

RECLAIM Governance Booklet

All you need to know about the governance structure of RECLAIM

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

Transparency

RECLAIM Governance

29 Aug 2022

RECLAIM Financial and Procurement Manual

Detailed procedures and internal financial guidelines are critical to having RECLAIM running smoothly

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.

Transparency

RECLAIM Governance

29 Aug 2022

RECLAIM Policy Against Workplace Harassment & Sexual Misconduct

We aim at having nothing making you or our staff uncomfortable.

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

Transparency

RECLAIM Governance

29 Aug 2022

RECLAIM Anti-Corruption Policy

This is how we prevent corruption in RECLAIM

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

Transparency

RECLAIM Governance

29 Aug 2022

RECLAIM Staff Handbook & Codes of Conduct

Are you joining or considering RECLAIM? These are your rights & responsabilities

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

Civic Space

RECLAIM Policy Briefs, RECLAIM KYR Series

8 Aug 2022

RECLAIM Policy Manual: Disinformation and EU funding investigations

Read our recommendations to the Commission to curb third countries’ authorities’ abuse of EU’s counter-terrorism and anti-fraud mechanisms.

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.

Civic Space

RECLAIM Policy Briefs, RECLAIM KYR Series

8 Aug 2022

RECLAIM Policy Brief: Civic Space Trends in the EU

Over the last few years, many European countries have adopted or have considered adopting measures that restrict the space for civil society

Civic Space

RECLAIM Policy Briefs, RECLAIM KYR Series

8 Aug 2022

RECLAIM Policy Brief: Civic Space Restrictions in Hungary

Over the past decade, the goverment of Hungary has adopted increasingly repressive measures targeting human rights defenders

Civic Space, All topics

RECLAIM Legal Opinions

2 May 2022

RECLAIM Legal Opinion: LGBT-Free Zones in Poland

LGBT+ People face discrimination, hate crimes, and exclusion. But EU law provides protection. Learn how it may help LGBT+ people in Poland

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.

Civic Space

RECLAIM Legal Opinions

2 May 2022

RECLAIM Legal Opinion: Hungary's 2021 anti-LGBT law

LGBT+ People face discrimination, hate crimes, and exclusion. But EU law provides protection. Learn how it may help LGBT+ people in Hungary

Read more about how Hungary's 2021 anti-LGBT law criminalising the LGBTQI community is against fundamental rights and freedoms and how you can use EU law to challenge it

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