Hungary's Government Calls for Public Opinion on Ukraine's EU Accession
Government officials express concerns over accelerated EU membership process for Ukraine amid ongoing war
Gulyás Gergely, the head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office, stated that Brussels aims to circumvent established practices regarding the accelerated European Union membership of Ukraine during an event in Dunakeszi, Pest County, on Monday.
Gulyás stressed that the EU traditionally requires candidate countries to meet accession criteria and obtain approval from all member states.
He noted, "Ukraine's membership would hold significantly greater and more direct implications for Hungary than any other EU accession, thus we believe it is important to consult the voters on this matter."
Gulyás highlighted concerns that Ukraine's accession would drastically alter the functioning of the EU, citing potential cessation of cohesion funds, a substantial increase in labor migration, and the possible reduction or elimination of agricultural subsidies currently received by rural Hungary.
According to Gulyás, the government insists that such a significant European decision should be preceded by democratic debate in all 27 EU member states.
He indicated that there might not be opportunities for consultation in every country as is occurring in Hungary.
Justice Minister Tuzson Bence, who is also a member of parliament for the ruling Fidesz party in the region, remarked on the remarks of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, suggesting she speaks as if Ukraine is almost a member of the EU, treating its accession as a natural progression.
Tuzson raised questions about the feasibility of admitting a country currently engaged in conflict into the EU, asserting that European citizens have not been consulted on this issue.
He referenced the Hungarian government's decision to initiate a public referendum to gauge whether Hungarians support Ukraine's EU membership.
Gulyás stressed that the EU traditionally requires candidate countries to meet accession criteria and obtain approval from all member states.
He noted, "Ukraine's membership would hold significantly greater and more direct implications for Hungary than any other EU accession, thus we believe it is important to consult the voters on this matter."
Gulyás highlighted concerns that Ukraine's accession would drastically alter the functioning of the EU, citing potential cessation of cohesion funds, a substantial increase in labor migration, and the possible reduction or elimination of agricultural subsidies currently received by rural Hungary.
According to Gulyás, the government insists that such a significant European decision should be preceded by democratic debate in all 27 EU member states.
He indicated that there might not be opportunities for consultation in every country as is occurring in Hungary.
Justice Minister Tuzson Bence, who is also a member of parliament for the ruling Fidesz party in the region, remarked on the remarks of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, suggesting she speaks as if Ukraine is almost a member of the EU, treating its accession as a natural progression.
Tuzson raised questions about the feasibility of admitting a country currently engaged in conflict into the EU, asserting that European citizens have not been consulted on this issue.
He referenced the Hungarian government's decision to initiate a public referendum to gauge whether Hungarians support Ukraine's EU membership.
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