Hungary's Prime Minister Accuses Ukraine of Threats Amid EU Discussions
Viktor Orbán responds to comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about Hungary's stance on Ukraine's EU accession.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated on Wednesday that Ukraine has openly threatened Hungary, responding to comments made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an interview earlier in the week.
This statement was made in Budapest following the second Hungarian-Georgian governmental summit, where Orbán hosted Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
In his remarks, Orbán emphasized Ukraine's refusal to accept the notion that decisions regarding Ukraine's European Union membership could be made by Hungarians, particularly if such a decision were to be unfavorable.
He criticized this position, characterizing it as intimidation and blackmail.
Orbán highlighted that Hungary has extended support to Ukraine, allowing refugees to transit through Hungary and providing them access to public services.
He stated that Hungary has treated Ukrainian soldiers and facilitated education for Ukrainian children, calling for Ukraine to express gratitude rather than resorting to threats.
Amid discussions about Georgia, Orbán noted the positive economic indicators of the Georgian economy, which has seen a 7% growth rate and decreasing national debt.
He drew parallels between Hungary's and Georgia's political situations and also mentioned Hungary’s own challenges amid criticism from Brussels.
The Hungarian Prime Minister emphasized that his government stands firmly in support of Georgia's sovereignty, both bilaterally and on the European stage.
He remarked that Hungary has committed to providing every possible assistance to Georgia on its journey toward EU integration, with plans to train 50 Georgian civil servants starting in September.
Further, he acknowledged the record-breaking trade volume between Hungary and Georgia, which has surpassed $100 million for the first time, primarily consisting of pharmaceutical exports.
Orbán disclosed discussions around energy cooperation, noting a joint program among five countries aimed at importing green electricity generated in the Caucasus to Hungary and the EU.
On the topic of Ukraine, Orbán voiced concerns regarding proposed measures in Brussels that may jeopardize Hungary's energy supply.
He stated that such proposals, which he claimed could potentially lead to a doubling or quadrupling of household energy costs, are unacceptable.
He reiterated that Hungary would not compromise on its economic interests to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict.
The Prime Minister anticipated challenges in the upcoming week, describing the situation as not just a disagreement with Ukraine but also one that includes discussions with EU representatives.
In the context of international influence, Orbán mentioned that foreign forces in Georgia are purportedly engaging in activities reminiscent of those occurring in Hungary, particularly through organizations allegedly financed by George Soros aimed at destabilizing governments.
He also expressed a belief that globalist forces are facing defeat, citing the political climate in the United States and predicting similar outcomes in Europe.
This, he asserted, could pave the way for Georgia’s accession to the EU in the future.
During the summit, Orbán and Kobakhidze released a joint statement and signed several agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.
This statement was made in Budapest following the second Hungarian-Georgian governmental summit, where Orbán hosted Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
In his remarks, Orbán emphasized Ukraine's refusal to accept the notion that decisions regarding Ukraine's European Union membership could be made by Hungarians, particularly if such a decision were to be unfavorable.
He criticized this position, characterizing it as intimidation and blackmail.
Orbán highlighted that Hungary has extended support to Ukraine, allowing refugees to transit through Hungary and providing them access to public services.
He stated that Hungary has treated Ukrainian soldiers and facilitated education for Ukrainian children, calling for Ukraine to express gratitude rather than resorting to threats.
Amid discussions about Georgia, Orbán noted the positive economic indicators of the Georgian economy, which has seen a 7% growth rate and decreasing national debt.
He drew parallels between Hungary's and Georgia's political situations and also mentioned Hungary’s own challenges amid criticism from Brussels.
The Hungarian Prime Minister emphasized that his government stands firmly in support of Georgia's sovereignty, both bilaterally and on the European stage.
He remarked that Hungary has committed to providing every possible assistance to Georgia on its journey toward EU integration, with plans to train 50 Georgian civil servants starting in September.
Further, he acknowledged the record-breaking trade volume between Hungary and Georgia, which has surpassed $100 million for the first time, primarily consisting of pharmaceutical exports.
Orbán disclosed discussions around energy cooperation, noting a joint program among five countries aimed at importing green electricity generated in the Caucasus to Hungary and the EU.
On the topic of Ukraine, Orbán voiced concerns regarding proposed measures in Brussels that may jeopardize Hungary's energy supply.
He stated that such proposals, which he claimed could potentially lead to a doubling or quadrupling of household energy costs, are unacceptable.
He reiterated that Hungary would not compromise on its economic interests to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict.
The Prime Minister anticipated challenges in the upcoming week, describing the situation as not just a disagreement with Ukraine but also one that includes discussions with EU representatives.
In the context of international influence, Orbán mentioned that foreign forces in Georgia are purportedly engaging in activities reminiscent of those occurring in Hungary, particularly through organizations allegedly financed by George Soros aimed at destabilizing governments.
He also expressed a belief that globalist forces are facing defeat, citing the political climate in the United States and predicting similar outcomes in Europe.
This, he asserted, could pave the way for Georgia’s accession to the EU in the future.
During the summit, Orbán and Kobakhidze released a joint statement and signed several agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.
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