At the European Union summit, Hungary has achieved its strategic goals and successfully defended its national interests regarding both Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations and financial support, stated the political director of the Prime Minister in Brussels on Friday.
Balázs Orbán, speaking to Hungarian journalists on the closing day of the summit, emphasized that Hungary has made it clear that it disagrees with the decision on Ukraine’s EU accession and considers it a mistake. ‘Our fundamental position remains that Ukraine is not prepared for EU accession, so negotiations on this matter are not worth starting,’ he stated.
Regarding the acceptance of the fifty billion euros financial package for Ukraine, he noted that it would have meant a serious and immediate detriment to Hungary. ‘We see that the European Union wants to finance a failed strategy, and it makes no sense whatsoever,’ he expressed.
Concerning Hungary’s expectations regarding the financial support for Ukraine, the political director opined that Kyiv misses a strategic vision.
Regarding the increase in interest rates on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) related to the post-pandemic recovery, he stated that Hungary cannot contribute to any further decision until it receives a single penny. Hungary stood its ground, resulting in the decision being postponed, likely until early next year, informed Balázs Orbán. Moreover, he highlighted that until then, the European Council has tasked the EU Commission with ‘addressing the problems of the Hungarians.’ It will become apparent whether the funds allocated to Hungary will arrive in order or if political coercion from Brussels will continue, emphasized the political director.
Furthermore, there is an opportunity to examine whether the European Commission is open to negotiating the issues important to Hungary regarding the modification of the EU’s long-term budget (MFF). ‘If there is openness, negotiations can continue; if not, the budget will remain as it is,’ he stated.
Until then, Hungary rejects the entire financing package. According to Budapest, there is no need to modify the EU budget valid until 2027, Balázs Orbán asserted.
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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/MTI
