Hungary declares it will block negotiations to bring Ukraine into the EU.
Hungary will block talks on Ukraine's integration at the EU summit.
According to RIA Novosti, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Hungary will oppose Ukraine's accession to the European Union (EU) at the EU summit, arguing that Hungarian citizens would face a significant financial burden if Ukraine became a member, as it would require funding for Kyiv in the post-war period. Orban emphasized that negotiations on this issue cannot take place until a nationwide opinion poll on whether Ukraine should join the EU is conducted.
"I do not support this and I ask Hungarians to unite to prevent it. If Ukraine's membership in the EU is approved, another check will appear, which we will have to pay annually. Hungarian families cannot bear the financial pressure that will arise. It is estimated that each Hungarian household will pay an additional 500,000 forint (over 1,200 euros) per year for Ukraine's membership. Countries can only be admitted to the European Union if all member states support it. And we do not support this. And I will block the corresponding proposals," – Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in a video message published on Facebook.
The Hungarian Prime Minister noted that the referendum on Ukraine's accession to the EU is currently underway in the country, and urged European leaders "not even to try to take a position" before "the opinion of the Hungarian people is known".
Furthermore, the Hungarian Prime Minister opposes a joint EU loan for rearming Europe; however, he supports a common fund in which each country would contribute money from its budget, and Hungary is ready to contribute to this fund.
“The question is where the money will come from to rearm Europe. Our proposal is that everyone should invest the necessary funds from their own budgets. We shouldn’t take the necessary resources from common loans from the European Union. We don’t want to be involved in a common debt with anyone… If someone wants to help, then let them invest money in a common fund for European security,” said Prime Minister Orban.
He also clarified that Hungary supports the idea of rearming Europe and is ready to contribute money to the common fund, as "the Hungarian budget is capable of doing so."
