EU calls on Hungary to hold Budapest Pride despite the ban!

EU calls on Hungary to hold Budapest Pride despite the ban!

On June 26, 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls on the Hungarian authorities to lift the ban on Budapest Pride. This demand is part of a larger debate about the rights of LGBTQ people in Hungary, which have come under increasing pressure in recent years. Von der Leyen emphasizes that the EU's values ​​include equality and non-discrimination, which are enshrined in the European treaties. The Hungarian government is therefore expected to respond to these demands, especially after 33 diplomatic and cultural missions expressed their support for the Pride parade.

However, the Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has clearly signaled that it is not ready to give in to the pressure. Justice Minister Bence Tuzson explains that Pride is a legally prohibited gathering and participants face fines of up to 500 euros. In addition, organizing or calling for participation could be punished with up to one year in prison. Hungary's government has based its ban on Budapest Pride on a controversial constitutional amendment that prohibits the display of non-heterosexual lifestyles, ostensibly to protect children.

Political tensions and liberal resistance

Gergely Karácsony, the mayor of Budapest and a prominent opponent of Orbán, still plans to hold the Pride parade on June 28 despite the ban. Karácsony, who has been in office since 2019, positions Budapest as a liberal counterpoint to Orbán's authoritarian politics. Budapest Pride has attracted thousands of people since 1997 and is a symbol of the rights of LGBTQ people.

However, there is great uncertainty in the run-up to the upcoming move. Experts warn of a progressive restriction of the rights of sexual minorities in Hungary. A new expansion of the controversial child protection law not only restricts sex education but, according to many observers, also violates the right to assembly. The bill even includes strict penalties for events that promote gender reassignment or homosexuality. To counteract this, Karácsony plans to hold Pride as a municipal event to circumvent the ban.

International criticism and EU reactions

The Hungarian government is facing growing international criticism. More than 20 EU governments have strongly condemned the ban on Pride and are threatening Hungary with legal consequences. The EU Commission has identified violations of European law and warns that the deprivation of Hungary's voting rights under Article 7 of the EU Treaty would be possible if basic human rights are not respected. This concern is also shared by Germany and 16 other EU states, which specifically criticize the new legal changes against gender and sexual minorities.

In addition to von der Leyen's demand, a large delegation from Brussels, including 70 MEPs and the EU Commissioner for Gender Equality, plans to attend the parade. The EPP's Marie Walsh will also attend the event, while other MPs want to stay away. This highlights the deep political rifts between the Hungarian government and many European countries.

But the Hungarian government remains steadfast. Janos Boka, Hungary's European minister, rejects the Pride ban accusations and instead blames the EU for many of the problems facing Hungary, including inflation, poverty and poor education and health services.