EU ministers recently convened for a General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, focusing on the rule of law in Hungary within the EU’s Article 7 framework. This comes as growing impatience is noted regarding recent Hungarian legal initiatives. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government is facing criticism for several controversial measures, including a draft transparency law aimed at foreign-funded media and NGOs, as well as a ban on the Budapest Pride parade. Seventeen EU member states issued a joint declaration prior to the meeting, expressing alarm over the Pride ban, which they argue contravenes EU law and undermines principles of human dignity and equality.
The declaration from these member states highlighted that the new Hungarian legislation could result in fines for Pride event participants and allow for participant identification via AI surveillance systems. It stresses the need for Hungary to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, urging a revision of this troubling legislation. Countries signing the declaration include Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Sweden, among others. They are also pressing the European Commission to utilize its rule of law mechanisms against Hungary should changes not be made.
Hungary’s minister for EU affairs, János Bóka, dismissed these criticisms, insisting that no such ban on Pride exists in Hungary. He expressed his hope that the hearing could lead to a more nuanced understanding of Hungary’s legal framework. In parallel, the Article 7 process, initiated in 2018 due to the European Parliament’s concerns over rule of law violations in Hungary, has seen several discussions but has yet to progress toward sanctions. This ongoing uncertainty reflects a broader hesitation among EU states about how to address Hungary’s legislative shifts.
Among the contentious issues is a proposed legislative bill called “Transparency of Public Life,” introduced on May 13, which critics fear would grant the government unnecessary controls over the press and civil society. The European Commission has demanded the withdrawal of this bill, warning that its adoption would represent a significant breach of EU principles. As the meeting progressed, concerns were voiced prominently about Hungary’s perceived backsliding on rule of law and freedoms, particularly regarding civil society and LGBTI rights.
Sweden’s EU minister underscored the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the necessity for a substantial shift in Hungary’s approach following seven years of inaction within the Article 7 process. She indicated that continued patience might no longer be sustainable, given the stagnation in discussions and the ongoing erosion of fundamental rights and transparency. German officials echoed this sentiment, stating that their colleagues’ patience is waning and that a decision must soon be reached about further actions.
Despite the gravity of the situation, an EU diplomat mentioned that a call for sanctions would not be made at this meeting due to insufficient majority support among member states. Bóka characterized the surrounding political atmosphere as hysteria and reiterated Hungary’s willingness to engage in dialogue. The overall sentiment among Central and Western EU members reflects a growing dissatisfaction with Hungary’s legislative direction, leaving the country facing increased scrutiny as discussions continue.
