Latest news with #JanosBoka
AsiaOne
28-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
17 EU countries sound alarm over Hungarian LGBTQ+ laws, World News
BRUSSELS — Seventeen European Union countries accused Hungary on Tuesday (May 27) of contravening fundamental EU values by passing laws that target LGBTQ+ people, as tensions deepen between Budapest and a majority of member states. Hungary's parliament passed legislation in March that creates a legal basis to ban Pride marches there and lets police use facial recognition cameras to identify people who attend. It also approved constitutional changes in April stipulating that Hungary recognises only two sexes, male and female. "We are highly alarmed by these developments which run contrary to the fundamental values of human dignity, freedom, equality and respect for human rights," the governments of the 17 countries said in a joint statement. They called on Hungary to revise the measures and asked the European Commission to make full use of its powers if Budapest does not do so. The Commission can take legal action against member states if it believes they are violating EU law. The statement was backed by Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. The declaration came ahead of a hearing on Tuesday in a long-running process where EU ministers examine concerns that Hungary is at risk of breaching core EU values. The process could in theory lead to Hungary being stripped of its right to vote on EU decisions. But diplomats say there is not sufficient support among the 27 EU member states to take that step. 'More nuanced view' Arriving at the meeting, Hungary's Minister for European Union Affairs Janos Boka said: "There is no such thing in Hungary as a Pride ban". "I hope that after these discussions my colleagues around the table will walk out with a more nuanced view on the Hungarian legislation," he said. But activists say the measures amount to a de-facto ban. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said that Pride organisers "should not even bother" this year, while his chief of staff Gergely Gulyas has said Hungary "does not have to tolerate Pride marching through downtown Budapest". Orban, who has been in power since 2010, has repeatedly clashed with the EU and its member countries over democratic standards, minority rights and foreign policy. Critics have accused Orban of undermining the rule of law, which the Hungarian government denies. His ruling Fidesz party has said the Pride march could be considered harmful to children and that protecting them would supersede the right to assemble. European Commissioner Michael McGrath, who oversees democracy, justice and rule of law issues, said on Tuesday there were serious concerns about the situation in Hungary. "Freedom of assembly is a fundamental right," he told reporters. "It is not a threat to children. It's not a threat to anyone, and it must be protected and upheld at all times, and so the Commission is examining all of its options," he said. [[nid:716895]]
CTV News
27-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
A new Hungarian law could ban Pride events. Most EU countries are demanding a rethink
Hungarian Minister for European Union Affairs Janos Boka, front left, speaks with Italy's Permanent Representative to the EU Vincenzo Celeste, center, during a meeting of the general affairs ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Havana) BRUSSELS — A large majority of European Union countries on Tuesday called on Hungary to revise a new law that allows bans on public events by LGBTQ+ communities, as pressure mounts on the country's populist government over democratic backsliding. In a declaration, at least 20 out of the EU's 27 nations, including France, Germany and Spain, expressed concern that the law passed in April allows for fines on people organizing or taking part in Pride events, and the use of facial recognition software to identify them. 'We are highly alarmed by these developments, which run contrary to the fundamental values of human dignity, freedom, equality and respect for human rights' enshrined in the EU treaties, they said. They called on the European Commission — the powerful executive branch that monitors the respect of EU laws — 'to expeditiously make full use of the rule of law toolbox at its disposal in case these measures are not revised accordingly.' The declaration was published on social media as ministers for EU affairs gathered in Brussels for yet more talks on the way that Hungary's staunchly nationalist government has introduced legislation that its partners see as undermining rule of law standards. 'I think it's time that we consider the next steps, because this is getting pointless in continuing these hearings,' said Jessica Rosencrantz, the EU affairs minister of Sweden, which signed up to the declaration. Rosencrantz said that the EU is 'not just a geographical union but a union based on values, and in that sense we have to act strongly against countries not living up to our common principles.' Hungary's EU affairs minister, János Bóka, said that the new law has simply been misunderstood. 'There is no such thing in Hungary as a Pride ban,' Bóka told reporters. 'I hope that after these discussions my colleagues around the table will walk out with a more nuanced view on the Hungarian legislation.' The constitutional amendment passed in April declares that children's rights to moral, physical and spiritual development supersede any right other than the right to life, including that to peacefully assemble. Hungary's contentious 'child protection' legislation prohibits the 'depiction or promotion' of homosexuality to minors aged under 18. The EU commissioner responsible for democracy, justice and rule of law, Michael McGrath, said that the 'willingness is there' to take action against Hungary. He said that 'a comprehensive analysis of the relevant legislation is underway now.' McGrath also expressed 'very serious concerns' about another piece of draft legislation in Hungary. This bill would allow the government to monitor, restrict, penalize and potentially ban organizations it deems a threat to national sovereignty. The draft law marks a significant escalation of the government's long-running crackdown on critical media and nongovernmental organizations. It would allow Hungary 's contentious Sovereignty Protection Office to identify organizations that influence public debate or voter sentiment in ways it considers detrimental to Hungary's interests. 'We believe it is a breach of EU law, including a breach of internal market freedoms and also a breach of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,' McGrath said. 'We stand ready to use the tools at our disposal' to oppose it, he added. As part of its many legal disputes with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government, the European Commission has deprived Hungary of access to billions of euros in EU funds, in part because of fears that the money may be misused. 'At this point in time, about 18 billion euros ($20 billion) is not available to Hungary. That's because of their own rule of law breaches. I wish it were otherwise,' McGrath told reporters. Despite rosy government projections, Hungary's economy has for at least two years been in a state of stagnation, partly becaue of the frozen EU funds. Struggling under high inflation, Hungary's gross domestic product dipped back into negative territory in the first quarter of 2025, the only contraction in the EU. Hungary has also drifted ever further from the EU fold over the Russia-Ukraine war, repeatedly holding up the passage of multibillion-euro aid packages to Kyiv and sanctions on Moscow. But its European partners are growing more inclined to proceed without Orbán's government. Justin Spike contributed to this report from Budapest, Hungary. Lorne Cook, The Associated Press
Glasgow Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
New Hungarian law could ban Pride events – majority of EU countries urge rethink
Countries including EU heavyweights France, Germany and Spain expressed concern, in a declaration, that the law passed in April allows for fines on people organising or taking part in Pride events, and the use of facial recognition software to identify them. 'We are highly alarmed by these developments, which run contrary to the fundamental values of human dignity, freedom, equality and respect for human rights' enshrined in the EU treaties, they said. They called on the European Commission — the powerful executive branch that monitors the respect of EU laws — 'to expeditiously make full use of the rule-of-law toolbox at its disposal in case these measures are not revised accordingly'. The declaration was published on social media as ministers for EU affairs gathered in Brussels for yet more talks on the way that Hungary's staunchly nationalist government had introduced legislation that its partners saw as undermining rule-of-law standards. 'I think it's time that we consider the next steps, because this is getting pointless in continuing these hearings,' said Jessica Rosencrantz, the EU affairs minister of Sweden, which signed up to the declaration. Ms Rosencrantz said that the 27-nation EU was 'not just a geographical union but a union based on values, and in that sense we have to act strongly against countries not living up to our common principles'. Hungary's EU affairs minister, Janos Boka, said that the new law had simply been misunderstood. 'There is no such thing in Hungary as a Pride ban,' Mr Boka told reporters. Hungary's EU affairs minister Janos Boka, front left, said the new law had simply been misunderstood (Omar Havana/AP) 'I hope that after these discussions, my colleagues around the table will walk out with a more nuanced view on the Hungarian legislation.' The constitutional amendment passed in April declares that children's rights to moral, physical and spiritual development supersede any right other than the right to life, including that to peacefully assemble. Hungary's contentious 'child protection' legislation prohibits the 'depiction or promotion' of homosexuality to minors aged under 18. The EU commissioner responsible for democracy, justice and rule of law, Michael McGrath, said that the 'willingness is there' to take action against Hungary. He said that 'a comprehensive analysis of the relevant legislation is under way now'. Mr McGrath also expressed 'very serious concerns' about another piece of draft legislation in Hungary. This bill would allow the government to monitor, restrict, penalise and potentially ban organisations it deems a threat to national sovereignty. The draft law marks a significant escalation of the government's long-running crackdown on critical media and non-governmental organisations. It would allow Hungary's controversial sovereignty protection office to identify organisations that influence public debate or voter sentiment in ways it considers detrimental to Hungary's interests. 'We believe it is a breach of EU law, including a breach of internal market freedoms and also a breach of the charter of fundamental rights of the European Union,' Mr McGrath said. 'We stand ready to use the tools at our disposal' to oppose it, he added. EU Commissioner Michael McGrath said the 'willingness is there' to take action against Hungary (Jacob King/PA) As part of its many legal disputes with prime minister Viktor Orban's government, the commission has deprived Hungary of access to billions of euros in EU funds, in part due to fears that the money may be misused. 'At this point in time, about 18 billion euros (£15 billion) is not available to Hungary. That's because of their own rule-of-law breaches. I wish it were otherwise,' Mr McGrath told reporters. Despite rosy government projections, Hungary's economy has for at least two years been in a state of stagnation, partly due to the frozen EU funds. Struggling under high inflation, Hungary's GDP dipped back into negative territory in the first quarter of 2025, the only contraction in the EU. Hungary has also drifted ever further from the EU fold over the war in Ukraine, repeatedly holding up the passage of multibillion-euro aid packages and sanctions. But its European partners are growing more inclined to proceed without Mr Orban's government.
NBC News
27-05-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
17 E.U. countries sound alarm over Hungarian LGBTQ laws
BRUSSELS - Seventeen European Union countries accused Hungary on Tuesday of contravening fundamental EU values by passing laws that target LGBTQ people, as tensions deepen between Budapest and a majority of member states. Hungary's parliament passed legislation in March that creates a legal basis to ban Pride marches there and lets police use facial recognition cameras to identify people who attend. It also approved constitutional changes in April stipulating that Hungary recognizes only two sexes, male and female. 'We are highly alarmed by these developments which run contrary to the fundamental values of human dignity, freedom, equality and respect for human rights,' the governments of the 17 countries said in a joint statement. They called on Hungary to revise the measures and asked the European Commission to make full use of its powers if Budapest does not do so. The Commission can take legal action against member states if it believes they are violating EU law. The statement was backed by Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. The declaration came ahead of a hearing on Tuesday in a long-running process where EU ministers examine concerns that Hungary is at risk of breaching core EU values. The process could in theory lead to Hungary being stripped of its right to vote on EU decisions. But diplomats say there is not sufficient support among the 27 EU member states to take that step. 'More nuanced view' Arriving at the meeting, Hungary's Minister for European Union Affairs Janos Boka said: 'There is no such thing in Hungary as a Pride ban'. 'I hope that after these discussions my colleagues around the table will walk out with a more nuanced view on the Hungarian legislation,' he said. But activists say the measures amount to a de-facto ban. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said that Pride organizers 'should not even bother' this year, while his chief of staff Gergely Gulyas has said Hungary 'does not have to tolerate Pride marching through downtown Budapest'. Orban, who has been in power since 2010, has repeatedly clashed with the EU and its member countries over democratic standards, minority rights and foreign policy. Critics have accused Orban of undermining the rule of law, which the Hungarian government denies. His ruling Fidesz party has said the Pride march could be considered harmful to children and that protecting them would supersede the right to assemble. European Commissioner Michael McGrath, who oversees democracy, justice and rule of law issues, said on Tuesday there were serious concerns about the situation in Hungary. 'Freedom of assembly is a fundamental right,' he told reporters. 'It is not a threat to children. It's not a threat to anyone, and it must be protected and upheld at all times, and so the Commission is examining all of its options,' he said.
Western Telegraph
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
New Hungarian law could ban Pride events – majority of EU countries urge rethink
Countries including EU heavyweights France, Germany and Spain expressed concern, in a declaration, that the law passed in April allows for fines on people organising or taking part in Pride events, and the use of facial recognition software to identify them. 'We are highly alarmed by these developments, which run contrary to the fundamental values of human dignity, freedom, equality and respect for human rights' enshrined in the EU treaties, they said. They called on the European Commission — the powerful executive branch that monitors the respect of EU laws — 'to expeditiously make full use of the rule-of-law toolbox at its disposal in case these measures are not revised accordingly'. The declaration was published on social media as ministers for EU affairs gathered in Brussels for yet more talks on the way that Hungary's staunchly nationalist government had introduced legislation that its partners saw as undermining rule-of-law standards. 'I think it's time that we consider the next steps, because this is getting pointless in continuing these hearings,' said Jessica Rosencrantz, the EU affairs minister of Sweden, which signed up to the declaration. Ms Rosencrantz said that the 27-nation EU was 'not just a geographical union but a union based on values, and in that sense we have to act strongly against countries not living up to our common principles'. Hungary's EU affairs minister, Janos Boka, said that the new law had simply been misunderstood. 'There is no such thing in Hungary as a Pride ban,' Mr Boka told reporters. Hungary's EU affairs minister Janos Boka, front left, said the new law had simply been misunderstood (Omar Havana/AP) 'I hope that after these discussions, my colleagues around the table will walk out with a more nuanced view on the Hungarian legislation.' The constitutional amendment passed in April declares that children's rights to moral, physical and spiritual development supersede any right other than the right to life, including that to peacefully assemble. Hungary's contentious 'child protection' legislation prohibits the 'depiction or promotion' of homosexuality to minors aged under 18. The EU commissioner responsible for democracy, justice and rule of law, Michael McGrath, said that the 'willingness is there' to take action against Hungary. He said that 'a comprehensive analysis of the relevant legislation is under way now'. Mr McGrath also expressed 'very serious concerns' about another piece of draft legislation in Hungary. This bill would allow the government to monitor, restrict, penalise and potentially ban organisations it deems a threat to national sovereignty. The draft law marks a significant escalation of the government's long-running crackdown on critical media and non-governmental organisations. It would allow Hungary's controversial sovereignty protection office to identify organisations that influence public debate or voter sentiment in ways it considers detrimental to Hungary's interests. 'We believe it is a breach of EU law, including a breach of internal market freedoms and also a breach of the charter of fundamental rights of the European Union,' Mr McGrath said. 'We stand ready to use the tools at our disposal' to oppose it, he added. EU Commissioner Michael McGrath said the 'willingness is there' to take action against Hungary (Jacob King/PA) As part of its many legal disputes with prime minister Viktor Orban's government, the commission has deprived Hungary of access to billions of euros in EU funds, in part due to fears that the money may be misused. 'At this point in time, about 18 billion euros (£15 billion) is not available to Hungary. That's because of their own rule-of-law breaches. I wish it were otherwise,' Mr McGrath told reporters. Despite rosy government projections, Hungary's economy has for at least two years been in a state of stagnation, partly due to the frozen EU funds. Struggling under high inflation, Hungary's GDP dipped back into negative territory in the first quarter of 2025, the only contraction in the EU. Hungary has also drifted ever further from the EU fold over the war in Ukraine, repeatedly holding up the passage of multibillion-euro aid packages and sanctions. But its European partners are growing more inclined to proceed without Mr Orban's government.
