Hungarian PM rejects EU budget over concerns of funds flowing to Ukraine

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has once again voiced strong opposition to the European Union’s budget plans, warning that the allocation of EU funds to Ukraine would harm Hungary’s interests and leave the country “vulnerable to blackmail.”

Orbán made his position clear in a post on his official Facebook page, where he stated that he will not consent to any EU budget that “sends Hungarian money to Ukraine,” which he claims “will ruin Hungarian farmers” and jeopardise Hungary’s sovereignty, Caliber.Az reports.

“I will never agree that we Hungarians will receive the funding we are entitled to only if we submit to Brussels’ policies on war, immigration, and gender equality,” Orbán wrote, underscoring his refusal to accept conditions tied to EU funding.

He further emphasised that Brussels must understand that “Hungary’s answer is never,” signalling a firm stance against what he perceives as undue pressure from EU institutions.

However, it is important to note that decisions regarding the EU budget are made through qualified majority voting, which limits the impact of Hungary’s opposition on the final outcome.

In late May, Orbán unveiled a “patriotic plan” aimed at countering the influence of what he described as “globalists in Brussels.” The plan calls for restoring Europe’s direction by rejecting Ukraine’s EU accession bid, strengthening national sovereignty, protecting freedom of speech, and preserving cultural identity rooted in “Christian culture, safe streets, proud nations.”

Hungary has consistently opposed key EU policies related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Budapest government regularly criticises the EU’s military assistance to Kyiv, opposes sanctions on Russia, and advocates for a prompt peace settlement. Additionally, Hungary remains firmly against Ukraine’s potential membership in both the European Union and NATO.

By Tamilla Hasanova