European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib, speaking at the Budapest Pride Diplomatic Reception on 26 June 2026, announced that the European Commission is preparing a Recommendation to ban conversion practices across the EU and proposed more than doubling funding for equality and civil society to €3.6 billion in the next EU budget. Lahbib also highlighted tackling online violence as a priority, stating that digital spaces should be safe for everyone.
Lahbib's speech marked a stark contrast from the previous year, when Budapest Pride was banned and an estimated 200,000 people marched anyway. She noted that the European Court of Justice ruling in April 2025, which found Hungary's so-called 'Child Protection Law' violated EU law, has already led to charges against Pride organisers being dropped. Lahbib said the Commission will continue working with Hungarian authorities until the ruling is fully implemented.
The Commissioner outlined two priorities of the new LGBTIQ+ Strategy for the next five years: banning conversion practices and tackling online violence. She described conversion practices as torture, noting that one in four LGBTIQ+ people in Europe has experienced them. Eight Member States have already taken action, with three more ready to follow, she said.
a Recommendation to ban conversion practices across the EU, and a budget increase for equality and civil society from an unspecified current level to €3.6 billion. The speech did not provide a timeline for the Recommendation or details on how online violence would be tackled beyond general support for safe digital spaces.
The policy orientation is strongly protective of LGBTIQ+ rights, pushing for EU-wide bans and increased funding. Lahbib's tone was celebratory and supportive, emphasising partnership with Hungary's new government and building trust grounded in shared European values. The speech contained no criticism of the current Hungarian government, instead focusing on progress and hope.
LGBTIQ+ individuals across the EU would benefit from a potential ban on conversion practices and increased funding for civil society. EU Member States would face pressure to implement the Recommendation and align national laws. Civil society organisations would gain significantly from the proposed €3.6 billion budget. Online platforms may face new regulatory obligations if the online violence priority leads to binding measures, though no specifics were provided.