Tensions are peaking in the European Union as Hungary’s ban on the Budapest Pride parade pits Prime Minister Viktor Orbán against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in what many are calling a defining moment in the EU’s ongoing struggle over democratic values and minority rights.

Momentum’s parliamentary representative David Bedo and independent MP Akos Hadhazy protest against a bill before the Hungarian parliament that would ban Hungary’s annual Pride march and impose fines on organizers and people attending the event in Budapest, Hungary, March 18, 2025. MPs. REUTERS/Marton Monus SEARCH TERM – SEARCH “HUNGARY-LGBT/PRIDE-ANNIVERSARY” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES

Despite a government prohibition, dozens of European politicians — including over 70 Members of the European Parliament and several ministers — are heading to the Hungarian capital this weekend to stand with the country’s LGBTQI+ community. Their presence is intended as a powerful act of solidarity and a rebuke to what they see as Hungary’s authoritarian turn.

Von der Leyen Breaks Silence

After weeks of silence, Commission President von der Leyen issued a video statement on Wednesday urging Hungary to reverse the ban. “I call on the Hungarian authorities to allow Budapest Pride to go ahead,” she said. “To the LGBTQI+ community in Hungary and beyond: I will always be your ally.”

A woman lights a cigarette placed in a placard depicting Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, during a demonstration, after the Hungarian parliament passed a law that bans LGBTQ+ communities from holding the annual Pride march and allows a broader constraint on freedom of assembly, in Budapest, Hungary, March 25, 2025. As Budapest prepares to celebrate its 30th Pride Parade, Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community tries to cope with an erosion of their rights due to policies of the right-wing government. REUTERS/Marton Monus SEARCH TERM – SEARCH “HUNGARY-LGBT/PRIDE-ANNIVERSARY” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES

Orbán responded quickly via X, warning von der Leyen not to interfere in member state law enforcement matters.

“Dear Madam President, I urge the European Commission to refrain from interfering in the law enforcement affairs of Member States, where it has no role to play. I also call on the Commission to focus its efforts on the pressing challenges facing the European Union—areas where it does have a clear role and responsibility, and where it has made serious mistakes in recent years, such as the energy crisis and the erosion of European competitiveness. Respectfully, Viktor Orbán.” – @PM_ViktorOrban on X

A Divided Europe on Display

While von der Leyen will not attend in person, the event is expected to draw prominent political figures such as Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun, Dutch Education Minister Eppo Bruins, and representatives from the French government. Former Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo and Ireland’s ex-premier Leo Varadkar will also participate, along with mayors from several major European cities.

FILE PHOTO: A view shows a banner reading “STOP LMBTQ” hanging from a bridge as people attend the Budapest Pride march in Budapest, Hungary, July 23, 2022. REUTERS/Marton Monus/File Photo

Belgian Commissioner Hadja Lahbib is due in Budapest on Friday, just before the start of the event.

Despite the show of international support, Hungary’s Justice Minister Bence Tuzson reaffirmed that the Pride parade remains illegal. In a letter to foreign embassies, he warned that organizers could face up to one year in prison. His remarks came in response to a joint statement by EU ambassadors in Budapest expressing support for the event.

Orbán urged citizens to stay away from the parade, but said authorities would not use force. “Hungary is a civilized country. We don’t harm one another,” he stated.

Still, there is concern over potential fines using facial recognition technology, which the European Commission is currently reviewing for potential violations of EU law.

Protest or Trap?

A transgender flag is held during a march after the Hungarian parliament passed a law that bans LGBTQ+ communities from holding the annual Pride march and allows a broader constraint on freedom of assembly, in Budapest, Hungary, March 30, 2025. The right-wing government under Prime Minister Viktor Orban has passed a series of legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community, including a ban on the change of gender in personal documents, legislation that effectively halts adoption by same-sex couples, and a law banning the use of materials in schools seen as promoting homosexuality and gender transition. REUTERS/Marton Monus SEARCH TERM – SEARCH “HUNGARY-LGBT/PRIDE-ANNIVERSARY” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES

While European support is strong, most major Hungarian opposition parties are keeping their distance. Only the Green Party of Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony and the satirical Two-Tailed Dog Party have confirmed participation.

The leading opposition party, Tisza — ahead in national polls — has stayed silent on LGBTQI+ rights. Party MEP Zoltán Tarr said they would not “fall into Orbán’s trap” and refused to be drawn into what he described as a government attempt to distract from pressing social issues. “When we govern, we will not limit freedom of assembly,” he said.

Pride as a Battle of Worldviews

For organizers and supporters, this year’s Pride is about much more than LGBTQI+ rights — it is a stand against authoritarianism and in defense of the European project.

“This is about Europe, the rule of law, and our core values,” said Richard Barabás, co-leader of the Párbeszéd party. “Budapest Pride is a united stance against Orbán’s repressive regime.”

Hungary has taken a hardline stance against gender and sexual identity expression, including a 2024 law that bans public gatherings perceived to “promote” LGBTQI+ identities. The Pride ban is a direct result of that legislation.

Organizers have sought a legal workaround with backing from Mayor Karácsony, proposing that the parade be formally organized by the city council — potentially sidestepping the need for police permits.

Whether participants will face legal repercussions remains uncertain, but the parade has already become a symbol of resistance — not only to Orbán’s domestic agenda but to a deeper clash over the soul of Europe.