As Ukraine accelerates its bid to join the European Union, significant concerns have emerged regarding the implications for public health and agriculture within the EU, particularly in Hungary.

The Hungarian government has initiated a public consultation, known as VOKS 2025, to gauge citizens' opinions on Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Ukraine's agricultural sector heavily relies on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Ukrainian producers utilize pesticides that have been banned in the EU for decades, raising fears that unchecked influx of such products could pose serious risks to Hungarian farmers.

The potential for GMO crops and inexpensive Ukrainian honey flooding the domestic market could jeopardize Hungary's agricultural viability and food industry.

The issue of GMO products is not solely a matter of technology or economics for Hungary but also involves sovereignty and food security.

Hungary's constitution enshrines GMO-free status, one of the strongest stances in Europe on protecting traditional agriculture.

However, Ukraine’s accession could lead to significant changes in this regard, endangering the competitiveness of Hungarian agriculture, farmers' livelihoods, and consumer health.

As one of the world's largest agricultural exporters, Ukraine's output, particularly in grains, sunflowers, and rapeseed, depends on GMO seeds and heavily chemically-influenced farming techniques, which are strictly regulated or banned in the EU. This reliance stems from a combination of agricultural policies and practices that are at odds with the EU's stringent regulations against GMOs.

In Ukraine, vast areas are under cultivation with GMO soy and corn, often supported by technologies from American corporations, such as Monsanto.

Ukrainian laws do not permit all forms of GMO cultivation; however, enforcement is lax and oversight is weak, allowing for widespread use.

If Ukraine becomes an EU member, it is likely that this production model could permeate the EU market, especially if Brussels eases GMO restrictions under the pretext of maintaining competitiveness and ensuring food supply.

Hungarian farmers, particularly small family farms, may struggle to compete against cheap, industrially produced GMO products.

Genetically modified corn requires less pesticide, matures faster, and can be cultivated on large scales, emphasizing mass production rather than sustainable farming practices.

In contrast, many Hungarian producers adhere to traditional, and often organic, farming principles which are more costly but invaluable for healthy food production and environmental conservation.

One of the primary criticisms of GMO technology pertains to the long-term effects on human health, which remain inadequately understood.

While GMO crops may offer resistance to certain diseases and pests, this does not guarantee that their impact on human health is wholly safe.

Research findings are mixed, prompting several countries, including Hungary, to ban their use based on the precautionary principle.

Additionally, there are significant concerns about the health risks associated with pesticides used on GMO crops, such as glyphosate.

The World Health Organization's cancer research agency classifies glyphosate as 'probably carcinogenic,' and more EU countries are advocating for its ban.

In contrast, Ukraine maintains a permissive stance towards these chemicals, and if integrated into the EU internal market, such products could reach Hungarian consumers.

Moreover, Ukraine faces challenges in vaccination rates, with several vaccinations—like those for measles and polio—not being mandatory.

The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the situation, complicating disease screening and treatment.

Data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control indicate that in 2023, Ukraine registered approximately 31,700 new HIV infections, compared to 2,004 in Hungary.

Low vaccination rates and the spread of infectious diseases present a severe public health threat to Hungary.

In response to these converging challenges, the Hungarian government has launched VOKS 2025, allowing citizens to express their views on Ukraine's EU accession.

This referendum not only addresses political considerations but also implications for Hungarian agriculture, food security, and public health.