Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk appears to be operating in full campaign mode, launching a veiled attack on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in a post on X on Thursday. His aim was evidently to discredit the right-wing opposition party Law and Justice (PiS)—a close ally of Orbán—ahead of Poland’s presidential election in May. In doing so, however, Tusk also spread disinformation about Hungary’s alleged ambitions to leave the European Union, which have no basis in reality.
‘Prime Minister Orbán talks about Hungary quitting the European Union openly today,’ Tusk wrote, adding that if PiS were still in power, Poland would find itself in the same position as Hungary. ‘That is the stake of the upcoming election,’ he concluded.
Tusk was referring to a recent surprise appearance by the Hungarian Prime Minister at a public forum, during which Orbán did indeed discuss the topic of Hungary leaving the EU. Contrary to what Tusk implied, however, Orbán explicitly stated that despite Hungary’s many conflicts with Brussels, it would not be rational to leave the bloc. ‘It is not reasonable to quit,’ Orbán said, underscoring that such a decision should be guided by reason, not emotion.
Orbán reminded the audience that when Hungary held a referendum on EU accession in 2003, he voted in favour—not merely because he wanted Hungary to join, but because he was firmly convinced that EU membership served the country’s national interest. ‘If my convictions change, I’m going to tell you,’ he added.
The Prime Minister also made it clear that Hungary benefits from EU membership beyond financial support—highlighting the access to a market of 400 million consumers for Hungarian-made products. He then jokingly recounted an anecdote about US President Donald Trump, who used to ask him: ‘Viktor, when will you leave the EU?’ Orbán said he would respond: ‘Mr President, we need a better offer.’ The remark, clearly delivered in jest, was meant to underscore the importance of Hungary’s export ties, noting that 85 per cent of Hungarian exports go to EU member states.
Orbán reiterated his stance that the European Union is in need of serious reform—a sentiment that underpins the formation of the Patriots for Europe (PfE) group in the European Parliament. ‘In a few years’ time, we will hold the majority position and we will dictate,’ he declared.
‘Orbán reiterated his stance that the European Union is in need of serious reform’
The public forum, which also featured Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, touched on the issue of Ukraine’s potential EU accession. Orbán warned that Kyiv’s membership would fundamentally restructure the bloc’s financial and funding frameworks, turning Hungary into a net contributor, cutting off substantial agricultural subsidies, and raising significant security concerns. He urged the public to participate in a recently launched public vote on the matter.
‘If there is not a decisive majority of Hungarian public opinion against Ukraine’s EU membership, it is not certain that we can defend Hungary’s interests by governmental force alone,’ Orbán cautioned.
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