A war of words has erupted between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky over Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union. The dispute began when Orban warned that Ukraine’s EU membership would have devastating effects on the Hungarian economy, likening it to a “collective economic trap.” He also criticized the EU’s goal of admitting Ukraine by 2030, stating that the move is imminent and not a distant possibility.
Orban’s comments were in response to Zelensky’s claim that 70% of Hungarians support Ukraine’s EU membership, citing domestic polling. However, the actual figures from the poll conducted by the opposition Tisza Party showed only 58% support, while an earlier poll by the Hungarian newspaper Nepszava indicated even lower numbers, with 47% in favor and 46% against. Orban fired back at Zelensky, emphasizing that the Hungarian people’s opinions are not decided by external entities, and that every Hungarian will have a say in the matter.
The EU membership process requires unanimous approval from all member states, and Hungary has repeatedly expressed concerns over Ukraine’s fast-track membership due to issues such as widespread corruption and minority rights. Orban has previously described Ukraine as “one of the most corrupt countries in the world.” Ukraine, which applied to join the EU in February 2022, has made membership a national priority, but the timeline remains uncertain. The European Commission has emphasized the need for Kiev to undertake significant reforms in areas such as law, politics, and economics.
As the debate continues, it is clear that Ukraine’s path to EU membership will not be without its challenges. With Hungary’s opposition and the need for substantial reforms, the road ahead will require careful negotiation and cooperation between Ukraine, the EU, and its member states. The outcome of this process will have significant implications not only for Ukraine but also for the European Union as a whole, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming months and years.
