A recent public opinion survey by Hungarian think tank Századvég reveals that a significant majority of Hungarians—72 per cent—view Ukraine’s accelerated accession to the European Union as potentially disadvantageous for Hungary. Only 22 per cent of respondents considered such a move to be beneficial for the country.
The study aimed to assess how the Hungarian public perceives the potential consequences of Ukraine joining the EU through an expedited process. The findings suggest widespread scepticism, particularly concerning financial and security implications.
According to Századvég’s March estimates, Ukraine’s swift integration into the EU could impose substantial economic burdens on Hungary. The direct annual cost of this accession could approach 2,000 billion forints—nearly half a million forints per household.
Beyond the economic impact, Századvég pointed to several potential security challenges. The introduction of freedom of movement and residency rights for Ukrainian citizens could increase risks in daily life for Hungarians, the report argues. One concern is the reintegration of former soldiers with battlefield experience who may struggle to find legitimate employment and instead turn to illegal activities, potentially fuelling organized crime.
Additionally, the study references Interpol warnings about the risk of Western-supplied weapons, including heavy arms sent to Ukraine, appearing on the black market and falling into the hands of criminal organizations.
Meanwhile, the EU officially launched the Ukraine2EU initiative on 1 April. The programme aims to support Ukraine in its EU accession efforts by offering strategic guidance and expert support. The initiative is co-financed by Denmark, Lithuania, and Sweden.
In response to this EU project, Századvég conducted its survey to better understand how Hungarians view the likely consequences of Ukraine’s potential fast-tracked membership.
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