Pride Ban Angers EU: Orbán’s Hungary Under Pressure

20 EU countries in joint protest: “Time for dialogue is running out”

The EU’s patience with Hungary is wearing thin.

During a meeting in Brussels on Monday, Viktor Orbán’s government was once again in the dock – this time with a special focus on the ban on Budapest Pride and the controversial package of laws aimed at ‘cleansing’ civil society.

20 EU countries have now jointly sent a strong signal that enough is enough.

“We are deeply concerned about developments which are contrary to fundamental values such as human dignity, freedom, equality, and respect for human rights,” states the joint declaration, signed among others by France, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark.

AI Cameras and Fines Stir Anger

The criticism also targets a new Hungarian law allowing the use of AI-based facial recognition to identify participants in Pride events – and to fine both them and the organizers.

This has led several ministers to talk about a blatant violation of the right to peaceful assembly.

“We urge Hungary to reverse these measures and ensure that the rights and freedoms of all citizens are respected,” reads the declaration, which also puts pressure on the European Commission to take stronger measures.

Orbán Government Denies: “There is No Ban”

Hungary’s EU Minister János Bóka responded to the criticism with a counter-offensive. “There is no Pride ban in Hungary,” he said, referring to the country’s “constitutional and legal frameworks.” He called it all “political hysteria” and expressed hope that “colleagues will gain a more nuanced picture” after the meeting.

But for several member states, words are no longer enough.

Seven Years of Discussion – Now Talk Turns to Next Steps

Since 2018, Hungary has been under scrutiny in the EU’s so-called Article 7 process, which is intended to assess whether a member state systematically violates the rule of law principles.

However, the process has never reached the point where sanctions could be adopted – partly because it requires unanimity among member states.

“We have had seven years and seven hearings. I want to be very clear today: If there is no change of attitude now, it is time to take the next step,” said Sweden’s EU Minister Jessica Rosencrantz.

Germany’s Gunther Kirchbaum put it more directly: “I can say that my colleagues’ patience is disappearing day by day.”

 

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