Hungary has voiced serious concerns over Ukraine’s potential fast-tracked accession to the European Union, emphasizing the political and economic burdens such a move could impose on both Europe and Hungary. Balázs Orbán, the Hungarian Prime Minister’s political director, expressed these views during a Saturday broadcast on M1.
According to Balázs Orbán, neither Hungary nor Europe could bear the weight of such an expedited accession process. As a result, the Hungarian government is advocating for a national consultative referendum to allow citizens to express their views on this critical matter.
‘Ukraine’s accession is one of the most pressing political issues within the European Union,’ Orbán asserted. He pointed out that the consequences of recent EU summits highlight the West’s diminishing influence over the Russo–Ukrainian conflict. With the United States gradually stepping back and adopting a neutral mediator role, the responsibility for addressing Ukraine’s economic challenges is shifting to European member states. He noted that several EU nations are represented by politicians eager to expedite Ukraine’s membership, intensifying pressure within Brussels. However, Hungary’s government believes such a significant decision should not be made without consulting the Hungarian public, given its potential impact on the nation’s future. ‘The outcome of the referendum will politically bind Hungary’s government,’ Orbán stated. ‘We will represent the clearly articulated position of the Hungarian people in all future Brussels negotiations.’
‘Fast-tracking Ukraine’s membership would undermine the EU’s principle of merit-based enlargement’
The political director argued that fast-tracking Ukraine’s membership would undermine the EU’s principle of merit-based enlargement. He highlighted the unfairness of prioritizing Ukraine over nations that have been awaiting EU accession for a decade or longer and are more prepared in both economic and political terms. He contended that Ukraine does not meet the necessary conditions even for candidate status and questioned the justification for advancing its EU integration.
The financial implications of Ukraine’s accession are another significant concern. Citing World Bank estimates, Orbán noted that Ukraine’s reconstruction would require over 500 billion dollars, while the annual cost of maintaining the Ukrainian state stands at approximately 100 billion dollars—expenses that would likely fall on Europe. He also referenced ongoing tensions over Ukrainian agricultural imports, arguing that full EU membership could lead to a flood of low-quality, mass-produced agricultural products, disrupting European markets.
Furthermore, he highlighted that Ukraine’s less developed regions would be the least advanced within the EU, creating disparities. He also expressed concerns about the free movement of organized crime and the illegal arms trade, should Ukraine join the EU.
Regarding the broader geopolitical context, Orbán welcomed the United States’ emphasis on peace, ceasefire, and negotiations. He argued that the EU should align with this approach, supporting diplomatic efforts over military escalation. However, he criticized the EU’s current stance, which involves increased arms supplies to Ukraine and preparation for greater confrontation. Orbán suggested that this policy is unsustainable in light of recent global developments. ‘European unity regarding Ukraine’s military support has essentially collapsed,’ he said. ‘Brussels is now isolated, while other major powers are urging the conflicting parties to engage in dialogue.’
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