For decades Europe has maintained an exemplary level of respect for democratic standards and human rights, and has generally continued to do so in recent years despite serious economic turmoil. Nevertheless, many countries have developed problems related to their treatment of immigrants and minorities, and press freedom faces threats in a number of states. Through its presence in Brussels, Freedom House (an independent watchdog organisation) works to address these issues and to increase Europe’s role in supporting the spread of democracy abroad. In response to a businessman close to Hungary’s prime minister purchasing the country’s most prominent opposition newspaper, Nepszabadsag, last Tuesday, Freedom House said that the action shows the government’s growing influence over Hungary’s media. The sale took place two weeks after its previous owner unexpectedly suspended publication, blocked its journalists’ access to their emails and offices, and pulled the paper’s online edition.