EU Court Says Hungary Violated Core Rights, Incoming PM Magyar Faces Pressure (Worthy News In-Depth)

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Hungary’s incoming conservative prime minister Péter Magyar has come under mounting pressure after the European Court of Justice ruled that Hungary violated “core values” of the European Union by adopting legislation it says discriminates against LGBTQ+ people.

The court found that Hungary breached Article 2 of the EU Treaty, which requires member states to uphold human dignity, equality, and the protection of minorities.

The case was brought by the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, after Hungary introduced a law restricting or banning access to LGBTQ+ content, particularly for minors.

Hungary’s government, led by outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has argued that the legislation is intended “to protect children from exposure to harmful material,” including what it described as links to “pedophilia.” It has also said it aims to protect “traditional family and Christian values.”

COURT: LAW VIOLATES HUMAN DIGNITY

However, the court said the law “stigmatizes and marginalizes” LGBTQ+ individuals and violates the EU’s ban on discrimination based on sex and sexual orientation.

Judges added that Hungary breached the right to human dignity by portraying a group as a “threat to society,” a characterization they said was unjustified.

The ruling marked the first time the EU’s top court found a member state in violation of Article 2, underscoring the gravity of the decision.

The court also criticized restrictions on books, films, and television, calling them a “particularly serious interference” with freedom of expression and access to information. Orbán’s government defended the measures, saying it is up to parents to decide when to discuss homosexuality, transgender identity, and other LGBTQ+ issues with their children.

TALKS ON FROZEN EU FUNDS

“This is a historic victory, and we claim it as such,” said Rémy Bonny, executive director of Forbidden Colours, one of the groups leading an EU-wide campaign urging member states to join the case against Hungary.

However, Magyar does not necessarily share that enthusiasm. He did not participate in last year’s Budapest Pride march, which was banned by Orbán but then organized by the liberal mayor of the capital, Gergely Karácsony.

His center-right Tisza party includes a broad electorate, ranging from those advocating expanded LGBTQ+ rights to more conservative, family-oriented voters.

While Magyar has signaled openness to reforms to unlock billions in frozen EU funds, it remains unclear whether his government will fully reverse policies that Brussels says have put Hungary at odds with European institutions.

UNCERTAINTY OVER POLICY SHIFT

He has indicated, however, that he would not ban another Budapest Pride march planned for June 28.

Ahead of the court ruling, his team held initial talks with the European Commission, which described the discussions as “very constructive and positive in tone.”

A Commission spokesperson said the meetings provided “a very useful starting point for the necessary work that now needs to be done,” particularly to unlock funding intended for the Hungarian people.

Among those involved was a senior aide to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who traveled to Budapest for the discussions.

EU FUNDS REMAIN FROZEN

Sources familiar with the talks say nearly 35 billion euros ($38 billion) in EU funds earmarked for Hungary are frozen or delayed due to a range of disputes with Brussels. These include concerns over the misuse of billions of euros in EU funds, as flagged by EU bodies, as well as issues related to LGBTQ+ rights and broader rule-of-law concerns.

Funds withheld include nearly 18 billion euros ($19 billion) from the EU budget over “rule-of-law violations, increased corruption risks and the undermining of judicial independence,” the Commission has said.

More than 17 billion euros ($18 billion) in low-interest defense loans have also been delayed over these and other concerns.

The European Commission has emphasized that resolving these disputes is key to restoring full financial cooperation with Budapest.

FREE SPEECH AND CHILD PROTECTION

Yet much will depend on how Magyar responds to the latest court ruling, which said protecting minors from inappropriate content can be achieved without directly discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation.

It is now up to the European Commission to decide whether to impose financial penalties if Hungary fails to amend the legislation.

Magyar, 45, has not yet detailed how he will respond but has indicated he wants to improve ties with Brussels while balancing domestic political pressures.

The developments come at a sensitive time for Hungary’s relations with the European Union with several leaders not attending meetings.

DIPLOMATIC TENSIONS EMERGE

Separately, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó skipped a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, sending the country’s EU ambassador instead.

Magyar has alleged that Péter Szijjártó destroyed materials after it became clear that Viktor Orbán had lost the election, though those claims remain unverified. There have also been reports that officials offered to share sensitive information stored on USB sticks with Magyar’s team in exchange for keeping their jobs.”

Szijjártó has faced criticism within the bloc over reports that sensitive information from EU meetings may have been shared with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Additionally, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced he won’t attend an informal EU summit in Cyprus scheduled for April 23–24, an unusual move from the longtime leader. There have also been reports that officials offered to share sensitive information stored on USB sticks with Magyar’s team in exchange for keeping their jobs.”

Tuesday’s court ruling places Hungary under renewed scrutiny, with potential legal and financial consequences looming if changes are not made.”

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