(ANSA) - BRUSSELS - The European Union has launched legal action against Hungary over a new higher education law that critics say is aimed at shutting down a university founded by billionaire philanthropist George Soros, Ap reported.

European Commission Vice president Valdis Dombrovskis said Wednesday that the EU's executive arm has sent a "letter of formal notice" to Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government.

Dombrovskis said the action is based on "an in-depth legal assessment." The higher education law was approved earlier this month and is set to enter force in October. The president of the Soros-backed Central European University says it means that his campus in Budapest might not be able to accept new students after Jan. 1.

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