Belgian EU Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, is reassessing her presence at the banned Budapest Pride, a member of Lahbib's cabinet told The Brussels Times.
The Hungarian government, through the Minister of Justice, announced that the Pride March scheduled for 28 June is prohibited by law, according to Belgium's Foreign Ministry.
Lahbib landed in Budapest this week at the invitation of the city's mayor, Gergely Karacsony. She is visiting in her capacity as Commissioner for Equality.
While Lahbib was expected to attend the march, this is now being reconsidered. "In view of the fluidity of the situation, she will assess her presence at the Pride on the ground," said a member of Lahbib's cabinet.
Lahbib has asked to meet with the Hungarian Minister of Justice. She is planning to meet with representatives of civil society organisations, authorities and local stakeholders to "show her support" and "uphold the Union's values of freedom, equality and human dignity."
The news comes as the Belgian Foreign Ministry changed its travel advice to Hungary for those planning to participate in Pride celebrations.
While the Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés), expressed his full support on Friday for the Budapest Pride, the Belgian Ministry urged for potential participants to remain vigilant.
🌈 (EN/FR/NL) I want to express my full support for the Budapest Pride and for all those in Hungary and beyond who raise their voices for love, equality, and dignity.
You have the right to love who you love. The right to be who you are, without hiding, without apologising. Your… — Maxime PREVOT (@prevotmaxime) June 27, 2025
The Ministry underscored how under Hungarian law, participation in an outlawed demonstration can be punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints, or around €500. Moreover, the country allows the use of facial recognition to identify participants.
It reminded that "participation in a demonstration that is not authorised by the Hungarian authorities is the responsibility of each individual participant."
It further urged potential participants from Belgium to keep up to date with the situation via the media and the communication channels of the Belgian embassy in Budapest.
For their safety, the Ministry asks participants to keep their distance from possible counter-demonstrations and to follow the instructions of local police in the event of disturbances.
The Brussels Times contacted the European Commission for comment but is yet to receive a response as of the time of publishing.
Related News
- Hungary warns its EU partners against joining banned Pride event
- March in Brussels to protest the ban on Budapest Pride
This article was updated at 14:24 to include a comment from the Belgian Foreign Minister.
