The simmering tension between Brussels and Budapest has once again reached a boiling point, as 26 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) sent a stern letter to European Commission officials, demanding an immediate suspension of all EU funding to Hungary. The latest confrontation centers around accusations that Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government is actively undermining fundamental EU values through a range of controversial laws and policies.

In their letter, sent on May 20 to Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin and Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath, the MEPs charged Hungary with “violating EU values and EU laws,” pointing to what they argue are systemic breaches of democratic norms. Chief among their concerns is a March law passed by the Hungarian Parliament that effectively bans pride parades in the country-a measure widely seen as an escalation in Orban’s longstanding opposition to what he calls “LGBT ideology.”

Other objections include a proposed bill that would significantly tighten oversight of political organizations receiving foreign funding. Critics argue the legislation is designed to suppress civil society and silence dissent, particularly among organizations that promote liberal democratic values and human rights.

The letter, signed by MEPs across various political groups, argues that continued financial support from Brussels is untenable under such conditions. “All EU funding for Hungary risks being misused,” the letter states, adding that a complete freeze would be “proportionate and justified.”

Unsurprisingly, the Orban government has pushed back........

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