Orbán Cabinet Warns Hungary Could Lose EU Funds if Ukraine Joins
Hungary’s Government Stresses National Interests in Reactions to Ukraine’s EU Accession Bid
On Tuesday, Balázs Hidvéghi, the parliamentary state secretary of Hungary’s Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office, emphasized that the Hungarian government is assessing Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union through the lens of national interests. His comments come in the wake of discussions surrounding Ukraine’s aspirations for EU membership.
Hidvéghi addressed opposition sentiments, particularly those of Democratic Coalition MEP Olga Kálmán, who expressed her outrage concerning the government’s stance. In response, he underscored the importance of prioritizing the interests of the Hungarian people over emotional responses to Ukraine’s plight. “Anyone who endorses Ukraine’s accession risks saying no to essential EU funds, with money potentially diverted to Ukraine instead,” he asserted through a video on Facebook. He insisted that compassion for Ukrainians should not overshadow Hungary’s national priorities.
The secretary further claimed that efforts from Brussels might be forcing Ukraine’s EU integration at the expense of Hungary, suggesting that it would primarily benefit certain business sectors while disregarding the needs of Central European nations, including Hungary. He warned that EU funds, which currently support Hungarians, could instead fund Ukraine’s reconstruction, agricultural initiatives, and military supplies.
Fast-Tracking Concerns Echoed by Fidesz MEPs
In a related discussion, Csaba Dömötör, an MEP from the ruling Fidesz party, noted that while some Hungarian politicians denied the urgency of Ukraine’s EU membership, recent statements from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated otherwise. Von der Leyen remarked that Ukraine could potentially join the EU before 2030, fueling concerns that the accession process is being expedited.
Dömötör pointed out that various developments, including the EU’s enlargement commissioner Marta Kos’s efforts to integrate Ukraine into the European economy, reflect a shift towards swift accession. He highlighted that the screening process for Ukraine’s membership is occurring with an unprecedented pace, which raises questions about the implications of admitting a country engaged in conflict with an unstable security situation.
He also criticized the lack of transparency in the European Parliament regarding the potential impacts of such a membership on the EU budget and the agricultural sector. According to estimates from the Jacques Delors Institute, funding for Hungary could see a reduction of 15-22 percent due to these developments.
Dömötör concluded that the current approach towards Ukraine’s accession reflects a pattern of elite policymaking that often excludes the voices of ordinary voters.
Conclusion
As Hungary navigates the complexities of EU integration discussions related to Ukraine, the government remains resolute in ensuring that its national interests are paramount. The ongoing dialogues raise significant questions about the future of EU enlargement and the broader implications for member states, signaling a critical moment in Central European politics.
