April 2025 — The European Pride Business Network (EPBN) has officially sent a letter to President Ursula von der Leyen, Commissioner Hadja Lahbib (Equality), Commissioner Michael McGrath (Democracy, Justice, and Rule of Law), and Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné (Prosperity and Industrial Strategy) urging immediate action to defend fundamental European values in response to the Hungarian government’s threats against Budapest Pride and broader LGBTIQ+ rights.
In the letter, EPBN outlines how recent legislative changes in Hungary—including the introduction of Section 13/A of the Freedom of Assembly Act and constitutional amendments—directly violate multiple provisions of the EU Treaties, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and established European Court of Justice (ECJ) case law. These measures aim to restrict peaceful assembly, free expression, and non-discriminatory access to economic activities related to Pride events.
“The Hungarian legislation constitutes not only an attack on fundamental human rights but also a blatant violation of the freedoms underpinning the EU’s internal market,” said Matthias Weber, Chairman of EPBN. “The Commission has both the power and the duty to act in defense of EU values and citizens’ rights.”
EPBN stresses that Budapest Pride—like Pride events across Europe—is not only a cultural and social event but also an important economic platform involving cross-border services, artistic performances, sponsorships, and business opportunities that are essential to the European single market. The network calls upon the European Commission to take a strong, immediate stance in defense of the rule of law, freedom of assembly, economic freedom, and the rights of LGBTQIA+ citizens, consumers, and business operators.
Read the full letter from EPBN.
About EPBN
The European Pride Business Network (EPBN) is a politically independent umbrella organization representing LGBTIQ+ entrepreneurs, managers, professionals, and allies across Europe, championing workplace equality. Established in 2022, EPBN today brings together 22 member organizations from 20 countries, working to advance workplace equality, business inclusion, and democratic resilience.
EPBN Members:
AG PRO (Austria), Queer Business Women (Austria), Pride Biz Austria (Austria), Cavaria (Belgium), Glas Foundation (Bulgaria), Common Zone (Croatia), Pride Business Forum (Czechia), Copenhagen Pride (Denmark), L’Autre Cercle (France), Berufsverband VK e.V. (Germany), Wirtschaftsweiber (Germany), We are Open (Hungary), EDGE – Leaders for Change (Italy), Lithuanian Gay League (Lithuania), Blom (Luxembourg), Workplace Pride (Netherlands), Znaki Równości (Poland), Legebitra (Slovenia), REDI (Spain), Network (Switzerland), WyberNet (Switzerland), Fulcrum (Ukraine).
