BUDAPEST — As the European Union inches toward its most ambitious enlargement in decades, Hungary is charting its own course, opposing Ukraine’s accession while championing the entry of the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Georgia, according to “Euro News”.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, long seen as the EU’s contrarian voice, has pledged to veto the opening of Ukraine’s membership talks, arguing that admitting a country “at war” would drag Europe into conflict. “If Ukrainians become members of the union, this war will also become our war. And we do not want that,” Orbán said at a recent European Council meeting in Brussels.
Budapest insists its stance is pragmatic, not ideological. It provides humanitarian aid and electricity to Ukraine but rejects military or financial assistance, claiming that Western support “only prolongs the war.” Hungary acknowledges Russia’s responsibility for the invasion but urges a ceasefire and peace talks instead of deeper EU involvement.
Orbán’s opposition, however, isolates him within the bloc. Most European leaders agreed in late 2023 to open accession talks with Kyiv; a decision Hungary abstained from blocking after Orbán briefly left the room during the decisive vote. Critics saw the move as tactical: Brussels had just unfrozen €10.2 billion in EU funds for Budapest after minor judicial reforms.
Domestically, Orbán bolstered his case with a “national consultation” on Ukraine’s membership. According to the government, 95% of respondents opposed it, reflecting concerns that Ukraine’s entry would burden the EU’s budget and shift agricultural subsidies away from countries like Hungary.
In contrast, Budapest has emerged as one of the staunchest supporters of Western Balkan enlargement, pressing for Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, and Bosnia-Herzegovina to join swiftly. Hungarian officials argue that bringing the Balkans into the EU would strengthen regional stability and curb migration and unrest.
Orbán has also endorsed the EU ambitions of Moldova and Georgia, describing the former as a “trusted partner” and “valuable workforce” for Europe. His recent visit to Tbilisi signaled continued support for Georgia despite EU criticism of its ruling party.
Analysts say Orbán’s enlargement policy reflects a strategic balancing act; resisting Kyiv’s fast track bid while advancing Budapest’s economic and political interests across Southeastern Europe. Whether this balancing act endures may depend on Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections in 2026, which could reshape its stance toward both Brussels and Ukraine.
