Hungary Opposes Ukraine’s EU Accession, says PM Orbán
Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, stated on Friday that Ukraine’s accession to the European Union does not align with Hungary’s national interests. According to Orbán, lack of consensus on the issue could lead to a fragmentation of European unity. As a result, he proposed that talks on Ukraine’s EU membership not be initiated at the upcoming meeting of EU leaders.
Orbán also criticized the European Commission’s push for EU leaders to put Ukraine’s European Union accession on the agenda. He suggested that the bloc should first sign a five to ten-year strategic partnership agreement with Ukraine. He emphasized the need for the EU to engage in discussions and align interests before considering Ukraine’s membership, which he believes would only be possible “many, many years from now.”
The prime minister also highlighted the challenges Ukraine faces, such as the country’s legal and political systems being different due to the ongoing war, making it difficult to assess if Ukraine meets the rule-of-law conditions of EU membership. He also mentioned the uncertainty regarding Ukraine’s territory and population size due to Russian occupation and a constant influx of citizens leaving the country.
On the topic of support for Ukraine, Orbán proposed that it should be provided outside the European Union budget, through a transparent fund set up with an intergovernmental agreement for supporting Ukraine.
Looking ahead to 2024, Orbán expressed optimism, stating that it would be a “hopeful year.” He vowed to raise pensions by 6 percent and emphasized a focus on working towards positive improvements in the coming year.
Orbán also took a firm stance on Hungary’s sovereignty, asserting that only Hungarians can decide their fate. He called for support in protecting Hungary’s independence and sovereignty, cautioning against foreign interference in the country’s affairs, particularly in the upcoming parliamentary decisions.
In conclusion, Orbán’s remarks underscore Hungary’s careful approach to Ukraine’s EU membership and highlight the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s interests and sovereignty.
