BRUSSELS — A coalition of 17 European Union member states on Tuesday issued a unified call urging Hungary to reconsider a newly passed law that empowers the government to restrict LGBTQ+ public activities, including Pride celebrations. The move marks a growing rift between Hungary’s nationalist administration and its European peers over human rights and democratic values.
In a joint statement, key EU powers including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Sweden expressed “deep concern” over the April legislation, which permits authorities to penalize individuals for organizing or participating in LGBTQ+ events. Of particular alarm is the law’s provision allowing the use of facial recognition technology to monitor and potentially prosecute such participants.
“These developments are extremely troubling,” the statement said, “as they undermine fundamental principles enshrined in EU treaties—equality, freedom, human dignity, and respect for human rights.”
The collective message comes amid an ongoing EU ministers’ meeting in Brussels, where the bloc is increasingly grappling with Hungary’s democratic backsliding under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government.
Swedish EU Affairs Minister Jessica Rosencrantz, one of the signatories, emphasized the need for decisive action. “The European Union is more than a geographic entity—it is a union of shared values,” she said. “We must stand firm against violations that threaten those values.”
Hungary Pushes Back
Hungary’s EU Affairs Minister János Bóka rejected accusations of a Pride ban, claiming the law is misunderstood. “There is no such thing as a ban on Pride in Hungary,” he told reporters. “What we are seeing is a misreading of our child protection legislation.”
Passed in April as a constitutional amendment, the law asserts that children’s moral, physical, and spiritual development outweighs all other rights—including peaceful assembly, barring the right to life. Critics argue the law expands Hungary’s already-controversial 2021 “child protection” law, which bans LGBTQ+ content aimed at minors.
Legal Consequences Loom
Michael McGrath, the EU’s Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law, signaled the bloc’s readiness to act. “A full legal analysis is underway, but we are deeply alarmed,” he said. McGrath also raised flags over another draft Hungarian bill that would allow the government to monitor and outlaw organizations it deems harmful to national interests.
That law would bolster the power of Hungary’s newly established “Sovereignty Protection Office,” which critics warn could be weaponized against media outlets and civil society groups critical of the government.
“We believe this law breaches the EU’s internal market freedoms and the Charter of Fundamental Rights,” McGrath noted. “We’re prepared to use every tool available to challenge it.”
Hungary’s Isolated Position
The European Commission has already frozen around €18 billion (approximately $20 billion) in EU funds to Hungary due to persistent rule-of-law violations. Despite Budapest’s efforts to negotiate access, Brussels has remained firm amid concerns over judicial independence and misuse of funds.
The financial freeze has contributed to Hungary’s deepening economic woes. In Q1 of 2025, Hungary was the only EU nation to register negative GDP growth, worsened by rampant inflation and the loss of EU investments.
Hungary’s strained position in the bloc has been compounded by its frequent resistance to EU-wide decisions, including sanctions and aid to Ukraine. But with mounting frustration among member states, there are growing signals that the EU may be prepared to bypass Orbán’s government on key decisions moving forward.
A Tipping Point for the Union?
The controversy over the anti-LGBTQ+ law adds fuel to longstanding tensions between Hungary and much of the EU. While Orbán continues to assert his administration’s right to define national values and policies, the bloc appears increasingly unwilling to tolerate what many see as blatant disregard for democratic norms.
As the statement from the 17 EU nations concluded, “This is not just about Hungary. It is about the integrity of the European project and the values that bind us all together.”
