Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said that his country has no obligation to support Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union. His remarks follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s declaration that Ukraine will join the EU regardless of Hungary’s position. Zelensky has suggested altering the EU accession procedure to bypass a possible Hungarian veto on Ukraine’s membership.
Orban argued that Ukraine is using its conflict with Russia as “moral blackmail” to force its way into the EU, noting that no country has ever blackmailed its entry into the bloc. He stressed that Hungary has “no moral obligation to support Ukraine’s EU accession” and cited the EU Treaty, which requires unanimous approval from all member states for new members.
According to Orban, a recent national consultation showed overwhelming opposition among Hungarians, with about 95 % of participants voting against Ukraine’s EU membership. Other surveys, however, have produced different figures: a poll by the Nezopont Institute found 67 % of Hungarians opposed to Ukraine joining, while a survey by the opposition Tisza party reported 58 % support.
Hungary has been a vocal critic of Ukraine’s EU bid, citing the ongoing war with Russia. The country has also opposed Western sanctions on Russia, arguing they damage the European economy, and it has refused to supply weapons to Ukraine. The EU has made clear that Ukraine must meet strict membership criteria, including reforms to strengthen the rule of law and combat corruption. No deadline has been set for Ukraine’s potential accession, and the process is expected to be lengthy.
Ukraine’s bid to join the EU remains a contentious issue, with some member states expressing support and others, like Hungary, voicing opposition. The situation underscores the complexities and challenges of EU expansion, especially amid the continuing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
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