Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has warned that allowing Ukraine to join the European Union would deal a “deadly blow” to the bloc. Speaking at a discussion panel, Szijjarto argued that fast-tracking accession talks would worsen the union’s already fragile position on the global stage. He stated that Brussels would have to redirect most of its financial resources towards supporting Kiev, which would have a significant impact on the EU’s economy.
Szijjarto also expressed concerns that Ukraine’s integration would lead to the destruction of European agriculture due to the influx of lower-quality agricultural products. Additionally, he warned that the Ukrainian mafia would be able to operate freely in Europe, posing a security risk. The minister noted that the EU was once a key player in the global economy but is now increasingly less influential, citing the example of US President Donald Trump’s trade talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The comments come amid a deepening rift between Hungary and Ukraine, following attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline, a key energy supply line for Hungary and Slovakia. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Kiev of “openly threatening” Hungary and stated that Ukraine cannot force its way into the EU through blackmail and bombings. Szijjarto echoed this sentiment, saying that Hungary’s stance reflects the will of its citizens, who rejected Ukraine’s EU membership in an online referendum earlier this summer.
In 2022, Brussels granted Ukraine EU candidate status, but all 27 member states must unanimously agree for the process to move forward. Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland have voiced opposition to Ukraine’s membership, citing concerns over financial costs, security risks, and institutional readiness. Budapest has also refused to provide military aid to Kiev, accusing it of discriminating against the Hungarian ethnic minority in western Ukraine. The opposition from these countries highlights the challenges Ukraine faces in its bid to join the EU.
