Europe is watching Budapest this weekend. You are in the spotlight, and your city shines in its diversity.
This event celebrates LGBTIQ people — here in Hungary and around the world. Its vital for me to join you in this celebration of humanitys incredible diversity — all its colors, shapes, sizes, beliefs, and cultures.
No two fingerprints are alike, just as no two people are the same. Trying to make everyone the same is nonsensical.
This diversity is the soul of our Union.
Over decades, we have built our European home — brick by brick. Now, we must protect it — brick by brick.
Dear Gergely, I believe you agree this is about more than one Pride march in one European city. It’s about the right to be ourselves — whether in Budapest, Brussels, or anywhere else.
As the EU Commissioner for Equality, I am here in Hungary today — just as I would be in any Member State — to uphold the values of freedom, equality, and human dignity.
I come to Budapest as a friend. Between friends, we should be honest. We all joined this Union not just for the Single Market but for shared values — freedom, tolerance, and inclusion.
Im here to meet Hungarian government ministers because engaging is crucial, even when we disagree. My message is clear: I reject the notion that the lives of LGBTIQ people are of lesser value.
The EU stands against hate. We cannot remain passive. We must not tolerate the intolerable. Today, our values are being challenged — in Europe and worldwide.
These attacks are part of a broader attempt to reverse progress and undo the rights fought for by generations before us. The right to gather peacefully is one of those rights — it must be protected throughout the EU.
Anti-LGBTIQ laws and movements lead to division, discrimination, and fear. More LGBTIQ+ people are facing hate and harassment daily. This will never be acceptable.
That’s why we will continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of everyone, including our LGBTIQ+ community.
There is no turning back.
We are moving forward with a new LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy, set to launch later this year. This strategy will address violence and hate-motivated harassment — both online and offline — and aim to end conversion practices.
We have much to do, and we need everyone on board. I’m also meeting with Hungarian civil society members to hear their concerns and express our full support for their vital work.
We are increasing our support because civil society organizations are key partners in advancing LGBTIQ+ rights in the EU. We aim to enhance dialogue between the Commission and civil society, involving them more in policy and decision-making.
We are allocating a robust budget to support civil society — over 1.5 billion euros, the largest ever dedicated to promoting EU values. We have already assisted more than 5,400 civil society organizations across Europe and beyond.
You can count on me to advocate strongly for equality and non-discrimination in our next EU budget.
Lasting progress will also be built on solid national foundations. Thus, we will continue to work with Member States to develop their LGBTIQ+ strategies. Hungary, I am here to support you.
Today, it is the LGBTIQ community. But tomorrow, it could be anyone else, for any reason, under any pretext. Let’s not be misled; history shows that there is always a good reason to discriminate.
Dear Gergely, thank you for your fight and for being so determined. And thank you for your warm welcome to the beautiful city of Budapest — even more stunning in the colors of Pride.