Hungary's Viktor Orbán Explains Ukraine Veto Amid EU Discussions
Orbán asserts Hungary's opposition to a joint EU statement on Ukraine until public opinion is considered.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has publicly explained his decision to veto a joint EU statement regarding Ukraine, emphasizing that Hungary will not support any collective position on Ukraine's EU membership until the views of the Hungarian people are solicited.
In a video posted on social media, recorded during a break at the EU summit in Brussels, Orbán stated, "This is not the first battle like this for Hungary." He expressed a reluctance to establish a common European stance that Hungary would be part of, particularly one that is supportive of war.
Orbán highlighted the economic impact of the ongoing war, noting that Hungarian families have lost approximately 2.5 million forints per household over the past three years due to the conflict.
He asserted the need to prevent households from continuing to bear the economic consequences and called for Europe to focus on supporting US peace efforts rather than engaging in military adventures.
The Prime Minister remarked on the discussions held during the summit, noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participated in the dialogue.
Orbán characterized Zelensky as suffering from a "misplaced role" by behaving as though he belongs within the EU and therefore adopting a sharper tone in discussions.
Orbán stated that Hungary is currently polling its citizens regarding their opinions on Ukraine's EU accession.
He reiterated that despite any urging from President Zelensky, Hungary's support for Ukraine's EU membership is contingent on understanding the views of the Hungarian populace.
In his veto, Orbán became the sole dissenting voice among EU leaders regarding the statement on Ukraine.
The remaining 26 member states later released a separate document affirming their support for Ukraine's defense efforts and its EU membership.
However, unanimity is required for progress in accession talks, placing Hungary's veto in a position to halt development.
Orbán's political director indicated that the war in Ukraine does not present the greatest threat, claiming that the costs associated with Ukraine's accession would be exorbitant and potentially detrimental to all of Europe in the current context.
In a video posted on social media, recorded during a break at the EU summit in Brussels, Orbán stated, "This is not the first battle like this for Hungary." He expressed a reluctance to establish a common European stance that Hungary would be part of, particularly one that is supportive of war.
Orbán highlighted the economic impact of the ongoing war, noting that Hungarian families have lost approximately 2.5 million forints per household over the past three years due to the conflict.
He asserted the need to prevent households from continuing to bear the economic consequences and called for Europe to focus on supporting US peace efforts rather than engaging in military adventures.
The Prime Minister remarked on the discussions held during the summit, noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participated in the dialogue.
Orbán characterized Zelensky as suffering from a "misplaced role" by behaving as though he belongs within the EU and therefore adopting a sharper tone in discussions.
Orbán stated that Hungary is currently polling its citizens regarding their opinions on Ukraine's EU accession.
He reiterated that despite any urging from President Zelensky, Hungary's support for Ukraine's EU membership is contingent on understanding the views of the Hungarian populace.
In his veto, Orbán became the sole dissenting voice among EU leaders regarding the statement on Ukraine.
The remaining 26 member states later released a separate document affirming their support for Ukraine's defense efforts and its EU membership.
However, unanimity is required for progress in accession talks, placing Hungary's veto in a position to halt development.
Orbán's political director indicated that the war in Ukraine does not present the greatest threat, claiming that the costs associated with Ukraine's accession would be exorbitant and potentially detrimental to all of Europe in the current context.
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