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Orbán's Hungarian government under pressure: EU looks for consequences!
Hungary has been criticized by the EU for years for violations of the rule of law and human rights. The article highlights how financial sanctions and Article 7 procedures are used to put pressure on Budapest and ensure the protection of European values.
Orbán's Hungarian government under pressure: EU looks for consequences!
On March 18, 2025, the Hungarian government caused a stir again when the planned ban on the Pride parade in Budapest sparked strong criticism. The LGBTIQ spokesman for NEOS Vienna, Thomas Weber, described the ban as a direct attack on the fundamental values of the European Union and the rights of the queer community. “It shows once again that Viktor Orbán is trampling on democratic principles,” explained Weber. He warned of the real consequences of such authoritarian action, which endangers not only freedom of assembly but also human rights. Weber called on the European Union to take clear measures to decisively counter this attack.
EU response and the rule of law
As further reports indicate, Hungary has deviated significantly from basic EU principles since the early 2010s, particularly regarding adherence to democratic standards. These deviations are not only causing tensions with Brussels, but have also led to over 30 billion euros in EU funding for Hungary being blocked. This includes a significant sum that has been frozen due to violations of the rule of law. According to Kateryna Rassolova's analysis, the Hungarian government has taken targeted measures to expand its political control over the judiciary and media, which has led to ongoing EU legal proceedings.
The Hungarian government is also repeatedly blocking financial aid to Ukraine, which is testing solidarity within the EU. These blockages of over 9 billion euros in support measures are symptomatic of Hungary's strategic approach to using the right of veto as a means of pressure. The aim of these tactics appears to be to extort concessions from the EU, which significantly disrupts decision-making within the community. Against this background, European support for the rights of the queer community in Hungary becomes even more urgent, as the defense of democratic values is needed more than ever. As Weber concluded, “freedom, diversity and respect must be defended daily, both in Hungary and worldwide”.