The Commission will decide on January 17 whether to launch proceedings, spokeswoman Pia Ahrenkilde-Hansen told reporters.

She said the Commission’s investigation into whether Hungarian laws on these and other issues are in harmony with EU norms will be completed in the next few days.

The government spokesman's office replied that the cabinet is committed to European values and remains ready to hold consultations on questions raised by the EU.

A Commission spokesman said they are in constant contact with the government, and hope that Hungary will make any changes deemed necessary so that proceedings will not have to be launched.

An EU source told Nepszabadsag that the Commission does not expect the government to take action in the next six days, but would welcome a retreat by Hungary.

“We have been waiting for a long time for some sign that the political will exists to find a solution,” the source said.

The Commission, said in its statement that a legally stable environment, “including respect for media freedom, democratic principles and fundamental rights,” is the best guarantee of the trust of citizens, partners and investors, and is particularly vital in times of economic crisis. “The swiftest way to lay to rest the concerns would of course be action by the Hungarian authorities themselves”.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy discussed Hungary at their meeting on Wednesday, according to reports."

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

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