European Commission Head Urges Hungary to Lift Ban on Budapest Pride

European Commission Head Urges Hungary to Lift Ban on Budapest PrideEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has issued a direct appeal to Hungary, calling on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government to lift the controversial ban on this weekend’s Budapest Pride march. Her intervention marks a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between Brussels and Budapest over LGBTQ rights and democratic norms.

The annual Pride event, set to take place on Saturday, was prohibited by Hungarian authorities citing a new law that bans public events deemed in violation of the country’s Child Protection Act. The legislation, passed earlier this year, severely restricts the depiction of homosexuality and gender transition in contexts where minors may be present. Authorities have warned that organizers and attendees of such events could face fines up to 200,000 forints (EUR 485), with unpaid penalties subject to tax collection measures. Facial recognition technology may also be employed to identify participants.

In a video message shared on social media Wednesday evening, von der Leyen extended her “full support and solidarity” to Hungary’s LGBTQ community. “To the LGBTIQ+ community in Hungary and beyond: I will always be your ally,” she said. “Marching for your rights is a fundamental freedom in Europe. Our Union stands for equality and non-discrimination - principles that must be upheld across all member states.”

Prime Minister Orbán responded swiftly, rejecting the Commission’s remarks. “Dear Madam President, I urge the European Commission to refrain from interfering in the law enforcement affairs of Member States, where it has no role to play,” he said. Orbán also called on the Commission to prioritize what he described as more pressing challenges, including the energy crisis and Europe’s slipping competitiveness.

The clash over Budapest Pride comes ahead of a key EU summit in Brussels, where von der Leyen and Orbán are scheduled to meet. The summit agenda is also expected to include another contentious issue: Hungary’s continued opposition to Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.

The Hungarian government maintains that the Pride event could be held in a “suitable enclosed venue,” such as a stadium, rather than on public streets. But Budapest’s liberal mayor, Gergely Karácsony, has vowed to press ahead. “Budapest City Hall will organise the Budapest Pride march as a local event on 28 June. Period,” he stated. City officials are also planning a broader celebration under the banner “Day of Freedom” to circumvent the police ban.

The Commission has not yet announced legal proceedings over the new Hungarian legislation, but officials say it is under review for potential violations of EU law. The ban could also conflict with the forthcoming Artificial Intelligence Act, which restricts the use of facial recognition by law enforcement across the bloc.

The escalating controversy is expected to draw significant international attention to this year’s Pride event. European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib and more than 70 Members of the European Parliament are expected to travel to Budapest in a show of support.