Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2025
144. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to communicate to the EU Commission under Article 259 TFEU to ask if they will act to enforce EU Law against Hungary in the context of the decision by the administration there to ban a festival (details supplied). [56402/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland consistently advocates for the promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ people in Hungary and throughout the world. Our concerns in relation to serious Rule of Law backsliding, and the targeting of civil society and minority rights in Hungary, have been regularly raised, including in direct contacts with our Hungarian interlocutors.
We are closely monitoring the situation in Hungary and continue to engage with the European Commission and EU Member States, including in relation to the banning of Budapest Pride as well as Pécs Pride. The Irish Embassy in Budapest was represented at both events.
Ireland supports the Commission in Case C-769/22 on the grounds that Hungary's Child Protection Law infringes Article 2 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. This case, taken by the Commission as guardian of the Treaties, addresses important legal questions that are of direct relevance to the current, concerning situation in Hungary.
Though little used, Article 259 of the TFEU provides a specific procedure for a Member State which considers that another Member State has failed to fulfil an obligation under the Treaties to bring the matter before the Court of Justice of the European Union. I believe that the best approach is to work with the suite of instruments available in the EU's Rule of Law toolbox, and I look forward to these being further strengthened but we will keep all available actions under review.
Ireland remains committed to working constructively with the European Commission and other Member States to ensure that EU law is upheld and that concerns are addressed in accordance with the Treaties.
