Hungary can ban Heineken’s red star

The European Commission revealed it will not stand in Hungary’s way if it wants to ban certain symbols, including the red star in Heineken’s logo.

“Hungarian people’s suffering”

The Hungarian government announced in March that it wanted to ban certain symbols that referred to or reminded of communism. That included every red star, something Heineken reintroduced into its symbol in 1991. Possibly, it may have to remove it once more if the new proposal is signed into law. “Communist” symbols may lead to a 6.5 million euro fine and jail time.

“The Commission is aware of the Hungarian people’s suffering. Europe’s totalitarian regimes and their horrific crimes can never be forgotten”, a spokesperson for European Commissioner for the Single Market,  Elzbieta Bienkowska, said.

Hungary presented its proposal to the European Commission three months ago and Heineken already stated its star refers to an old brewer’s symbol, with no political background at all. It hopes the Dutch government can intervene and solve the problem. “Seeing how the issue is now being discussed at European level between two member states and the European Commission, we will refrain from commenting”, a Heineken spokesperson said.