The Rule of Law report
In recent years, Europe has witnessed a worrying rollback of LGBTQIA+ rights—an erosion deeply troubling to the core values of the EU: democracy, equality, and justice. This trend is confirmed by recent political signals and stark data from international organizations.
On June 18, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the rule of law by 405 votes to 210 (with 36 abstentions). Although non-binding, it sends a powerful political message. The text condemns violations of civil rights, threats to media freedom (including spyware use), and explicitly notes a “worrying roll‑back of safeguards for LGBTQIA+ people”.
Hungary is singled out for its political meddling in the judiciary, misuse of EU funds, and suppression of civil liberty. Notably, it became the first EU country to ban Pride parades and criminalize participation—carrying fines and jail terms—while using new facial-recognition technologies . The Parliament urges the activation of Article 7 sanctions and making access to EU funds contingent on respecting democratic standards and EU laws, such as the Digital Services Act.
Released on May 14, ILGA Europe’s Rainbow Map 2025 assessed LGBTQIA+ rights across 49 European countries. Its findings are stark: the UK dropped six positions, Hungary and Georgia each lost seven places, reflecting a broader democratic backsliding. Only 10 countries ban conversion therapy, 22 allow same-sex marriage, 12 allow self-determined legal gender change, while 18 nations provide no legal recognition of same-sex partnerships.
The activists protest
Activists warn this isn’t about isolated cases but represents a coordinated effort to “entrench discrimination and suppress dissent,” framed as protecting tradition or public order.
Work is underway to challenge Hungary’s laws banning LGBTQ+ content in schools and media. An Advocate General at the EU Court of Justice called these laws rooted in “prejudice,” supporting ongoing legal. Meanwhile, dozens of MEPs, along with Amsterdam’s mayor and other EU figures, pledged solidarity by attending Budapest Pride on June 28 in defiance of Hungary’s ban.
This retreat on LGBTQIA+ rights is a litmus test for European democracy. If left unchecked, what has been built over decades could unravel within a few years. Immediate action is essential: the EU must enforce Article 7, tie funds to rule‑of‑law conditions, outlaw hate crimes and conversion therapies, and uphold equality for all—regardless of identity or family structure. Without decisive intervention, decades of progress risk being lost.