Hungary to Hold Referendum on Ukraine’s EU Accession Amid Concerns Over Ukrainian Guest Workers
Ukraine’s Potential EU Membership Could Ruin the Economy, Says Hungarian Prime Minister
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently expressed his concerns about Ukraine’s potential membership in the European Union, stating that it could have detrimental effects on both the EU and Hungary’s economies. Orbán made these statements on public radio, urging for a postponement of the decision on Ukraine’s EU membership.
Orbán highlighted the lack of rational basis for supporting Ukraine’s continuation of the war, emphasizing the need for peace in the region. He criticized the strategy of 26 EU member states that aim to convince Ukraine to persist with the war, even without the support of the US. Orbán expressed his worries about the consequences of the war on Hungarians and questioned the feasibility of continuing the conflict.
During a recent emergency EU summit on Ukraine, Orbán observed a divergence between Hungary’s stance on peace and the other member states’ decision to continue the war. He emphasized the need for all member states to unanimously support Ukraine’s EU membership, cautioning against rushing the process and urging careful consideration of all details.
Orbán also raised concerns about the economic implications of Ukraine’s EU membership, particularly on Hungarian farmers and the labor market. He warned that the influx of genetically modified produce from Ukraine could depress prices and harm local farmers. Additionally, he highlighted the potential challenges of accommodating a large number of guest workers from Ukraine in Hungary.
The Hungarian Prime Minister proposed organizing a referendum on Ukraine’s EU membership to allow citizens to voice their opinions on the matter. Orbán underscored the importance of unity, consultation, and referendums in addressing pressing issues that affect the livelihood of Hungarians.
In addition to his comments on Ukraine’s EU membership, Orbán addressed domestic issues related to energy prices and supermarket regulations. He emphasized the government’s efforts to reduce utility bills for Hungarian households and called for price cuts by supermarket chains to alleviate financial burdens on consumers.
Overall, Orbán’s statements reflect his concerns about the economic and social implications of Ukraine’s potential EU membership, as well as his commitment to safeguarding Hungary’s interests in the region. The debate on this issue is likely to continue, with implications for both Hungary and the broader European Union.
