Orbán Hardens Opposition to Ukraine's EU Membership Amid Criticism

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government has intensified its opposition to Ukraine’s EU accession, launching a public campaign that frames the issue as a threat to Hungary’s economy and security, while distributing non-binding referendum ballots to gauge public sentiment. Despite these efforts, opposition party leaders have accused Orbán of hypocrisy, noting past instances where his government did not veto Ukraine’s candidacy and even advocated for its admission. The European Commission has made unprecedented progress in advancing Ukraine’s membership, opening accession talks in June 2024, but Hungary has repeatedly sought to block or delay EU support to Ukraine, creating tensions within the bloc. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticized Hungary’s actions, emphasizing that bilateral disputes should not hinder broader EU enlargement, which they argue benefits both the Union and Hungary. Meanwhile, the European Commission is exploring ways to circumvent Hungary’s de facto veto power on key EU decisions regarding Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. The debate remains a flashpoint in Hungarian politics, with significant public and political division over the government’s stance.