17 EU countries have accused Hungary of violating core EU values by passing laws targeting LGBT people. The process could end with Hungary losing its right to vote on EU decisions.

In March, the Hungarian parliament passed legislation creating a legal basis for banning pride marches in the country and allowing police to use facial recognition cameras to identify participants. In April, constitutional amendments were also approved, stipulating that Hungary only recognizes two genders – male and female.

"We are deeply concerned by these developments, which are contrary to the fundamental values of human dignity, freedom, equality, and respect for human rights," the governments of the 17 countries said in a joint statement.

They called on Budapest to reconsider the measures and asked the European Commission (EC) to make full use of its powers if Hungary fails to do so. The EC can take legal action against member states if it considers that they are violating EU law.

The statement was backed by Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

The declaration was adopted ahead of a hearing on May 27 as part of a long-running process in which EU ministers are examining concerns that Hungary is at risk of breaching the bloc's core values.

In theory, this process could lead to Hungary being stripped of its right to vote on EU decisions. However, diplomats say there is not enough support among the 27 EU member states to take such a step. | BGNES