The European Union has announced the release of more than €16 billion in funds previously frozen under the rule of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the "winds of change" in the country following the election of Péter Magyar last month.
Historic Breakthrough and Pride Parade Approval
The decision, described as a "historic breakthrough" by Magyar, coincides with a policy reversal by Hungarian police, who have now given permission for the upcoming Budapest Pride parade to take place. Last year, authorities sought to block the event under legislation backed by Orbán's Fidesz party, which created a legal basis for banning Pride gatherings under the guise of protecting children—a move widely criticized across the EU.
Reforms and Conditions for Funding
Von der Leyen stated that Magyar has convinced the European Commission that Hungary is "turning the page." The released funds are designated for housing, transport, energy, small and medium enterprises, and societal supports under cohesion funds. Approximately €2.2 billion of the total is contingent on restoring "academic freedom" in Hungarian universities. Magyar affirmed his agreement with all necessary steps and pledged to pass required legislation, implying that any compromises to LGBTQ+ rights under Orbán will be addressed.
Pride March Organizers Confident
Organizers of Budapest Pride notified police of their intention to hold the 31st edition of the march on June 27. They expressed confidence that the event would proceed, especially after the EU's top court ruled that Orbán's 2021 anti-LGBTQ+ law—amended last year to ban Pride—was discriminatory and breached EU rules. "After the extraordinary year of 2025, we trust in the cooperation of the authorities and their acceptance of the gathering," organizers said in a statement, welcoming participants who supported equal rights and democracy.
Police Response and Last Year's Defiance
Police confirmed they have approved the march, stating that during the notification process and consultation with organizers, no grounds for prohibition arose. They also issued restrictive decisions regarding three counter-demonstrations, allowing them to take place at a distance from Pride. Last year's march, attended by a record 200,000 people, became a symbol of defiance against Orbán's government. Despite threats of fines up to €500 using facial recognition, police ultimately did not penalize attendees. Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, who co-organized the event as a municipal cultural event to circumvent the ban, now faces charges for organizing the parade. Similarly, Roma rights campaigner Géza Buzás-Hábel in Pécs faces a fine for organizing the city's Pride march.
