Over 15 EU Countries Condemn Hungary Pride Ban, Urge Commission Action

Several European Union member states, including Czechia, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, have expressed deep concern over Hungary's recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, which bans the annual Budapest Pride march and authorizes facial recognition to identify participants. These countries have jointly called on the European Commission to use all available rule of law tools to pressure Hungary to reverse these measures, which they argue violate fundamental EU values such as human dignity, freedom, and equality. The legislation has sparked fears of democratic backsliding and violations of human rights within the EU, with critics urging enforcement actions including possible interim legal measures to compel Hungary to allow Pride events. Despite increasing calls, the European Commission has hesitated to impose such measures, with some officials citing a lack of consensus at the leadership level. Hungary’s government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, defends its position by invoking child protection and has so far rejected accusations of undermining democratic principles. The standoff highlights growing tensions within the EU over rule of law enforcement and minority rights ahead of a formal EU hearing on Hungary’s compliance.