Finland has joined 15 other EU member states in calling on Hungary to revise recently updated legislation that violates the fundamental rights of sexual and gender minorities.
"We are deeply concerned by recent legislative and constitutional amendments infringing on the fundamental rights of LGBTIQ+ persons which were adopted by the Hungarian Parliament on 18 March and 14 April 2025 following other anti-LGBTIQ+ legislation already introduced in previous years," the declaration states.
The statement cites as an example the recent law change in Hungary which could see fines imposed on participants and organisers of LGBTQ+ events, such as the annual Pride parade.
In addition, the declaration highlights the fact that the law reform permits the use of facial recognition software at such events, and could allow for the events to be banned.
"We are concerned by the implications of these measures on freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and the right to privacy," the declaration adds, noting further that the legislation is in contravention of Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union.
In conclusion, the 16 countries call on Hungary to review and revise these law reforms.
If the authorities in Hungary refuse to do so, the declaration adds, the European Commission should make full use of the tools at its disposal to ensure Hungary complies with its international obligations.
The declaration was drafted on the initiative of the Netherlands, and was signed by Germany, France, Austria, Ireland, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as by Finland.
There has long been opposition among EU member states towards what is widely perceived as Hungary's targeting of LGBTQ minority groups.
The EU froze 18 billion euros of Hungarian subsidies in December 2022 due to "the government’s serious breaches of the rule of law".
