A majority of EU member state leaders, including France and Germany, are calling on the European Commission to take action against Hungary over Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s plans to ban future Pride parades in Budapest.
A total of 16 countries are behind the call, which was coordinated by the Netherlands and demands that the Commission “expeditiously make full use of the rule of law toolbox” to get Hungary to back down from the proposed ban, Politico reports.
Signatories include Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, and the three Baltic states, as well as major EU players such as Germany and France.
“We are highly alarmed by these developments”, the statement said, pointing to Hungarian laws that risk fines for organizers and participants in various LGBTQ events.
According to those in power, the Hungarian laws “run contrary to the fundamental values to human dignity, freedom, equality and respect for human rights as laid down in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union”.
Blocked Ukraine aid causes anger
Exactly what measures the Commission should take is not yet clear, but several EU diplomats mention so-called interim measures as an alternative – legal injunctions that would in practice override Hungarian law and force Budapest to allow Pride celebrations.
The EU is already withholding €18 billion in funds to Hungary due to disputes over the rule of law, but Brussels has so far chosen not to proceed with more extensive coercive measures.
According to Politico, Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib opposed further measures during a meeting last week, citing a lack of support from the heavily criticized Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
At the same time, pressure on von der Leyen to take tougher action against Orbán’s government is said to be growing – not only because of the Pride ban, but also because of Hungary’s continued blocking of EU aid to Ukraine. Several diplomats say that EU leaders’ patience is now running out.
“Frustration toward Hungary has been building massively. If there’s an existential threat at our borders, how long are you going to put up with that?” commented one official.
Sweden wants to take “the next step”
Ahead of the EU General Affairs Council, Sweden’s EU Minister Jessica Rosencrantz also made it clear that she wants to force Hungary to change its policy:
– After seven years and seven hearings, we are at a crossroads. Unless we see a completely new Hungarian approach at tomorrow’s meeting, I see no point in continuing these hearings. It’s high time we get serious about next steps.
One of the most far-reaching options currently being discussed is to activate Article 7 of the EU Treaty – the so-called “nuclear option” – which could ultimately result in Hungary being stripped of its voting rights in the European Council. At least 19 member states are said to support this, three fewer than the qualified majority required to move forward with the process.
