Hungary has become the first EU member state to ban and criminalize a Pride march, marking a significant escalation in its clampdown on civil liberties. Authorities not only prohibited the peaceful demonstration, but also launched investigations into organizers and deployed facial recognition technology to track and fine attendees—raising serious concerns about fundamental rights violations. The crackdown forms part of a broader trend, including a draft law on Transparency in the Public Sphere, which could restrict foreign and EU funding for civil society organizations critical of the government, particularly those advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality. These developments have heightened alarm in Brussels over Hungary’s democratic backsliding, including long-standing issues with judicial independence, media freedom, and civic space. In response, the European Commission is considering stricter rules that would more directly link EU budget payments to respect for the rule of law. While Hungary is already facing a withholding of approx. €18 billion in EU funds due to rule-of-law breaches, further funding could be at stake as negotiations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework begin – unless Hungary reverses course and aligns with core EU values. For civil society actors in Hungary and beyond, this signals both heightened scrutiny and an opportunity to advocate for stronger rule-of-law safeguards tied to EU financial support.
Source: ILGA-Europe | Liberties | Politico