Orbán: EU Funds Without Becoming a Colony
Viktor Orbán Discusses Pope Francis, Ukraine’s EU Membership, and Hungary’s Entitlement to EU Funds
On Friday, during an interview on Kossuth Radio, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addressed several pressing topics, including the legacy of Pope Francis, Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union (EU), and Hungary’s pending EU funds.
Legacy of Pope Francis
Prime Minister Orbán praised Pope Francis as a beacon of peace and courage, particularly during tumultuous times for Hungary. He remarked on the Pope’s unwavering commitment to advocating for peace, despite facing significant backlash from pro-war factions. Orbán highlighted that for three years, Hungary and the Vatican were among the few voices for peace in the Western world, especially amid rising global tensions.
Orbán expressed gratitude for the Pope’s support, emphasizing how it lent "supernatural weight" to Hungary’s own pro-peace stance. He noted the importance of the Catholic Church in Hungary, given its role in education, elderly care, and community integration efforts.
As he stated, "It is of great importance to Hungary who will be the next Holy Father," acknowledging the significant influence of the Catholic Church on societal values.
Ukraine’s EU Accession
Turning to Ukraine’s EU aspirations, Orbán voiced strong reservations. He underscored that new EU members should ideally benefit existing members; however, he doubts that accepting Ukraine would serve Hungary’s interests. Orbán warned that an influx of Ukrainian workers could jeopardize full employment in Hungary, a feat achieved over the past 15 years.
He articulated concerns that Ukraine’s accession would drastically alter the financial landscape for Hungarian farmers, potentially leaving them without necessary support. He expressed alarm over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, advocating for an end to the "war psychosis" in Europe and suggesting that Hungary and Slovakia prioritize peace over military assistance.
Orbán described the push for Ukraine’s accelerated EU membership as a misguided initiative that would destabilize Hungary’s sovereignty and economic wellbeing.
Concerns Over Opposition and EU Funds
The Prime Minister also criticized the opposition Tisza Party, claiming they had aligned with external forces such as Manfred Weber of the European People’s Party to undermine Hungary’s interests. He voiced fears that such alliances could lead to the acceptance of migrants in Hungary and erosion of child protection laws, while enacting military support for Ukraine.
Moreover, Orbán highlighted the impact of withholding EU funds on the Hungarian populace. He reiterated that Hungary is rightly entitled to receive EU funds, which have been crucial for improving public services like healthcare. Currently, Hungary has accessed 13 billion euros but is still awaiting additional funds. He asserted, "Brussels says that if we were warmongers and allowed migration, we would get the money," vowing to secure these funds without compromising Hungary’s independence.
In his conclusion, Orbán reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to its own sovereign interests and the need for clarity and determination in navigating the complex landscape of EU relations.
As the dialogue continues around these pivotal issues, Orbán’s remarks firmly establish Hungary’s stance amidst the ongoing geopolitical debates in Europe.
