<h6><strong>Ane Barcos</strong></h6> <h4><strong>Seventeen European Union member states, led by the Netherlands and including Spain, issued a joint statement on Tuesday condemning recent measures adopted by the Hungarian Parliament, which they consider to violate the fundamental rights of LGBTIQ+ people.</strong></h4> "We are deeply concerned by the recent legislative and constitutional amendments that violate the fundamental rights of LGBTIQ+ people," the signatory countries stated. The statement refers to the reforms approved on March 18 and April 14, 2025, promoted under "the pretext of child protection." These amendments allow, among other things, "imposing fines on participants and organizers" of events such as Pride celebrations, authorizing "the use of facial recognition software," and empowering authorities to "prohibit such events." The signatories warn that these provisions represent a direct threat to “freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and the right to privacy.” “We are deeply alarmed by these developments,” they insist, stressing that these reforms are contrary to “the fundamental values of human dignity, liberty, equality, and respect for human rights,” as set out in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. They also emphasize that “respecting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people, including LGBTIQ+ people, is inherent to being part of the European family.” Consequently, they call on Hungary to “reconsider these measures” and comply with its international commitments. The seventeen states also urge the European Commission, if these measures are not revoked, to “swiftly and fully use the available rule of law tools.” For his part, Hungarian Minister of European Affairs János Bóka categorically denied that there is a ban on Pride celebrations in his country. “There is no such thing as a Pride ban in Hungary,” he stated this Tuesday in Brussels, before participating in the General Affairs Council, where the eighth hearing of the Article 7 procedure against Budapest is being held. Bóka affirmed that this hearing represents an opportunity to offer clarification on the Hungarian legal framework. “Today's hearing will allow me to explain the constitutional and legal framework to my colleagues,” he stated, expressing his hope that, after the debate, European ministers will have “a more nuanced view of Hungarian legislation.” <h5><strong>Hungary's Eighth Hearing Under the Article 7 Procedure</strong></h5> The General Affairs Council of the European Union, meeting this Tuesday in Brussels, is holding Hungary's eighth hearing under the Article 7 procedure of the EU Treaty, which was initiated by the European Parliament in 2018 amid growing concerns about the deterioration of the rule of law in the country. Bóka defended the Hungarian government's position in statements to the media prior to the ministerial meeting, arguing that the Article 7 procedure has been used for political purposes. "This procedure has always been an instrument for generating political hysteria and exerting political pressure," he denounced, adding that "today is no different." Despite this criticism, the Hungarian minister assured that his country remains cooperative in the process. He stated that his government seeks "an open and sincere dialogue" and participates "constructively" in the hearings. "So far, we have responded to all questions and comments, and today it is my intention to do so as well," he stated. Regarding the possible consequences of the hearing, Bóka downplayed its scope, emphasizing that no immediate action is planned. “Today there will only be a hearing. I don't foresee any further procedural action; today's agenda doesn't allow for it,” he clarified. And, regarding a possible suspension of Hungary's voting rights in the Council, he concluded: “In the current proceedings against Hungary, that possibility doesn't exist, and therefore, obviously, it won't happen today.”
