"The Congress is concerned by reports coming from Oradea, Romania, that local authorities may once again refuse permission to the Oradea Pride March, scheduled for 25 July 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year in which the event faces significant obstacles", stated Congress Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights, Peter Drenth.
"According to the information received, the organisers have experienced repeated difficulties in obtaining authorisation for the march. Last year, the Mayor of Oradea reportedly rejected all eleven proposed routes, effectively preventing the event from taking place in a safe manner.
"In my role as Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights and on behalf of the Congress, I must remind all local and regional authorities that freedom of expression, assembly and association are fundamental human rights protected under Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Decisions on whether to authorise or not Pride marches directly affect the full enjoyment of these rights by any European citizen.
"In addition, as I have previously stated with regard to Hungary's ban on Pride Marches in 2025, unjustified restrictions also threaten the right of LGBTI people to their private and family life without discrimination. Developments of this kind risk undermining the rule of law and the values of pluralism, inclusion and democratic participation that all Council of Europe member States have committed to uphold.
"I therefore call on the local authorities in Oradea to take all necessary measures to carry out a careful balancing of any conflicting right, in line with the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, and ensure that the Pride March can take place on 25 July 2026 under appropriate security arrangements, enabling participants to assemble peacefully and safely.
"The Congress stands ready to support efforts to safeguard these fundamental freedoms and will continue to follow developments in Oradea closely."
To illustrate this commitment, the Congress will also hold a debate on the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly of LGBTI people at the 51st Congress Session in October 2026.
