European Court of Human Rights Strikes Out Eight Applications Involving Hungary's Excessive Civil Proceedings Delays

Strategic Insights -

The European Court of Human Rights (Second Section) has joined and unanimously decided to strike out eight applications, including the case of Laszlo Hunyadi v. Hungary, which raises concerns about the excessive length of civil proceedings in Hungary. The applications, lodged between March and June 2024, were found to be sufficiently similar to warrant joint consideration. The Hungarian Government accepted liability and offered financial compensation to each applicant, ranging from EUR2,600 to EUR11,800, depending on the case. The applicants agreed to waive any further claims, provided that the Government made the agreed payments within three months of the Court's decision.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Court of Human Rights has joined and struck out eight applications, including Laszlo Hunyadi v. Hungary, due to excessive civil proceedings delays in Hungary.
  • The Hungarian Government accepted liability and offered financial compensation to each applicant, ranging from EUR2,600 to EUR11,800, depending on the case.
  • The applicants agreed to waive any further claims, provided that the Government made the agreed payments within three months of the Court's decision.
  • The Court found that the friendly settlements reached between the parties were consistent with respect for human rights, particularly since the Government acknowledged the issue of excessive delays, and monetary awards were appropriate to the severity and duration of the delay in each case.
  • The Court was satisfied that the mechanism for interest in case of non-payment added enforceability to the settlement.
  • The applicants will receive compensation amounts ranging from EUR2,600 to EUR11,800, depending on the nature and extent of the delays and the associated legal costs.

Statistics:

  • EUR2,600: The minimum compensation amount offered to applicants.
  • EUR11,800: The maximum compensation amount offered to applicants.
  • EUR2,800 (TCP): The compensation amount per applicant in the case of Laszlo Hunyadi.
  • 3 months: The timeframe for the Hungarian Government to make the agreed payments to the applicants.
  • 8 applications: The number of applications joined and struck out by the Court.

Sources:

  • European Court of Human Rights (Second Section) - Laszlo Hunyadi v. Hungary and 7 Other Applications, Application Nos. 10691/24, 17628/24, 18384/24, 18385/24, 18874/24, 19088/24, 19096/24, 19124/24.
  • European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
  • European Court of Human Rights' case-law, specifically Scordino v. Italy (No. 1), Application No. 36813/97.