EU demands Hungary: Budapest Pride, despite the ban, be sure to carry out!

EU demands Hungary: Budapest Pride, despite the ban, be sure to carry out!

On June 26, 2025, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, asked the Hungarian authorities to abolish the ban on Budapest Pride. This requirement is part of a larger debate about the rights of LGBTQ people in Hungary who have become increasingly under pressure in recent years. The Leyen emphasizes that the values ​​of the EU include equality and non -discrimination that are anchored in European contracts. The Hungarian government is therefore expected to react to these demands, especially after 33 diplomatic and cultural representations have expressed their support for the Pride parade.

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 the Pride is a legally prohibited assembly and that participants have to expect fines of up to 500 euros. In addition, the organization or the call to participate could be punished with up to one year in prison. Hungary's government based the Budapest Pride ban on a controversial constitutional change that prohibits showing non-heterosexual ways of life allegedly for the protection of children.

political tensions and liberal resistance

gergely Karácsony, the mayor of Budapest and a prominent opponent of Orbán, still plans to carry out the Pride parade on June 28, despite the ban. Karácsony, who has been in office since 2019, positions Budapest as a liberal opposite pole to the authoritarian policy of Orbán. The Budapester Pride has been attracting thousands of people since 1997 and is a sign of the rights of LGBTQ people.

In the run -up to the upcoming move, however, there are great uncertainties. Experts warn of a progressive restriction of the rights of sexual minorities in Hungary. A new expansion of the controversial Child Protection Act not only limits sex education, but also violates the right to assembly, according to many observers. The draft law even provides for severe punishments for events that promote gender conversion or homosexuality. In order to counteract this, Karácsony plans to carry out the Pride as an urban event to avoid the ban.

international criticism and EU reactions

The Hungarian government is exposed to internationally growing criticism. More than 20 EU governments have sharply condemned the prohibition of the Pride and threaten Hungary with legal consequences. The EU Commission has determined violations of European law and warns that the withdrawal of voting rights for Hungary is possible in accordance with Article 7 of the EU Treaty if basic human rights are not respected. This concern is also shared by Germany and 16 other EU countries, which in particular criticize the new changes in the law against gender and sexual minorities.

In addition to the demand from Von der Leyen, a large delegation from Brussels, including 70 MEPs and the EU commissioner for equality, plans to attend parade. Marie Walsh from the EPP will also take part in the event, while other MPs want to stay away. This illustrates the deep political trenches between the Hungarian government and many European countries.

But the Hungarian government remains steadfast. Janos Boka, Hungary's European Minister, rejects the allegations of the Pride ban and rather blames the EU for many of the problems with which Hungary is confronted with, including inflation, poverty and abuses in educational and healthcare.