Ballot printing is underway for Hungary’s upcoming national consultation, where citizens will be asked to voice their opinion on Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union. The announcement was made by Parliamentary State Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office Balázs Hidvéghi in a video shared on the Hungarian government’s Facebook page on Wednesday.
Hidvéghi provided a behind-the-scenes look at the ballot production process, emphasizing the security features of the paper used. Each ballot includes UV-visible markers to prevent tampering, and every one will be reviewed in the presence of a notary to ensure transparency and avoid manipulation.
‘This is not just paper—it protects what matters most: the opinion of the Hungarian people,’ he stated in the video.
The distribution of ballots by mail will begin in mid-April, and by the end of May, all voters are expected to have received theirs. Citizens will then be able to express their views on whether Hungary should support Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union.
Hidvéghi criticized the EU for moving forward with Ukraine’s membership process through an accelerated procedure, claiming Brussels has already ’ordered and paid for’ surveys suggesting most Hungarians support the idea. He expressed concerns over what he sees as political pressure from both domestic and European figures, referencing opposition leaders such as Péter Magyar and Ferenc Gyurcsány.
According to Hidvéghi, a rushed accession could pose serious financial and security risks for Hungary. ‘This is not a decision Brussels can make without us,’ he stressed, urging citizens to participate in the consultation.
‘This is not a manipulated vote ordered from Brussels. It is a genuine public consultation that cannot be falsified,’ he said. ‘Let’s make our voices heard—let‘s not let them make decisions over our heads!’
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