Hungary's Viktor Orbán Vetoes EU Statement on Ukraine Membership
Hungarian Prime Minister insists on consulting citizens before supporting Ukraine's EU accession.
BRUSSELS – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on Wednesday that he has vetoed a joint EU statement concerning Ukraine, asserting that he cannot support any collective EU position regarding Ukraine’s membership until Hungarian citizens have expressed their views on the matter.
"We will not agree to a common European position regarding a pro-war stance," Orbán stated during the EU summit in Brussels.
Orbán emphasized that this marks not the first instance in which Hungary has taken a stand on this issue.
He cited that Hungarian families have reportedly lost approximately 2.5 million forints per household (around 6.2 million euros) due to the consequences of the war over the past three years, which he stated needs to be addressed.
"We cannot let Hungarian families bear the economic costs of war," he remarked.
The Prime Minister suggested that the only way to achieve this goal is for Europe to be "convinced" to support the peace efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump instead of participating further in the conflict.
He indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participated in a debate preceding the vote on adopting the joint statement.
"I wouldn't say he behaved in a friendly manner.
The Ukrainian president is confused about his role, acting as if Ukraine were an EU member and allowing himself a sharp tone, which he should not," Orbán commented.
He further highlighted that there is significant discussion in Hungary about the potential EU accession of Ukraine.
"There is no point in the pressures from Zelensky.
Before we know what Hungarians think, I cannot support him in this," he added.
At the EU summit, the European Council reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine, with 26 leaders endorsing the conclusions, except for Orbán of Hungary.
In a prior meeting, EU leaders had also passed conclusions on Ukraine without Hungarian consent after Orbán declined to endorse a statement providing military and financial support to Ukraine or increasing pressure on Russia.
"We will not agree to a common European position regarding a pro-war stance," Orbán stated during the EU summit in Brussels.
Orbán emphasized that this marks not the first instance in which Hungary has taken a stand on this issue.
He cited that Hungarian families have reportedly lost approximately 2.5 million forints per household (around 6.2 million euros) due to the consequences of the war over the past three years, which he stated needs to be addressed.
"We cannot let Hungarian families bear the economic costs of war," he remarked.
The Prime Minister suggested that the only way to achieve this goal is for Europe to be "convinced" to support the peace efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump instead of participating further in the conflict.
He indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participated in a debate preceding the vote on adopting the joint statement.
"I wouldn't say he behaved in a friendly manner.
The Ukrainian president is confused about his role, acting as if Ukraine were an EU member and allowing himself a sharp tone, which he should not," Orbán commented.
He further highlighted that there is significant discussion in Hungary about the potential EU accession of Ukraine.
"There is no point in the pressures from Zelensky.
Before we know what Hungarians think, I cannot support him in this," he added.
At the EU summit, the European Council reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine, with 26 leaders endorsing the conclusions, except for Orbán of Hungary.
In a prior meeting, EU leaders had also passed conclusions on Ukraine without Hungarian consent after Orbán declined to endorse a statement providing military and financial support to Ukraine or increasing pressure on Russia.
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