BRUSSELS (CHATNEWSTV) — Nineteen European Union countries have issued a strongly worded statement condemning Hungary’s recent legislative and constitutional changes targeting LGBTIQ+ communities, warning that the new measures violate fundamental EU rights.
“We are deeply concerned,” the declaration reads, citing laws passed by the Hungarian Parliament on March 18 and April 14 that, under the guise of child protection, introduce fines for participants and organizers of events like Pride marches. The amendments also enable facial recognition surveillance and permit outright bans on such gatherings.
“This is not just about national legislation,” said Jessica Rosencrantz, Sweden’s EU Affairs Minister, as she presented the joint statement. “These are measures that severely undermine freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to privacy—cornerstones of our Union.”
The declaration was signed by Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
The signatories warned that Hungary’s trajectory contradicts Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, which enshrines human dignity, freedom, equality, and respect for human rights.
“Respecting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people, including LGBTIQ+ persons, is inherent in being part of the European family,” the statement says. “This is our responsibility and shared commitment.”
The group urged Hungary to reverse the laws and called on the European Commission to act if Budapest fails to comply. “We call on the Commission to expeditiously make full use of the rule of law toolbox,” the signatories said.
The Commission has not yet issued a formal response, but has previously criticized Budapest’s LGBTIQ+ policies as discriminatory and inconsistent with EU law.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
