Orbán prioritises Hungary’s economic sovereignty over deeper EU integration

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has signalled that domestic economic priorities will take precedence over deeper European Union integration, in comments that come amid ongoing debates over taxation, investment, and industrial strategy.

On EU relations and taxation, Orbán criticised domestic opposition parties for following Brussels’ agenda and dismissed the prospect of adopting the euro, citing what he described as the EU’s current crisis and fragmentation, Caliber.Az reports per Hungarian media.

“The Union is in trouble and facing de-integration,” he said, adding that Hungary will not tie its economic future more closely to the euro.

At the same time, Orbán highlighted Hungary’s growing engagement with international investors, noting that since Donald Trump’s presidency, the country has attracted U.S. investment worth around HUF 150 billion.

He linked these inflows to strategic industrial projects, including high-tech battery manufacturing and energy storage, which he said could place Hungary among global leaders within the next five to ten years.

Domestically, the government has introduced measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including a new fixed-rate loan programme offering up to HUF 150 million at 3% interest, launching on October 6.

Orbán said the programme was designed to be simple, accessible, and fully funded through this year’s and next year’s budgets, arguing that investments in the economy carry lower risk than social spending and ultimately generate higher returns.

On wages, Orbán suggested that a double-digit increase in the minimum wage would require reductions in taxes for private businesses. “We are in the middle of discussions,” he said. “Some tax relief will happen, because we need to make concessions to raise the minimum wage.”

The Prime Minister also addressed the role of self-employed entrepreneurs, describing their independence as a valuable national asset, though he expressed scepticism about fully restoring the KATA tax regime after previous abuses.

On broader social policy, Orbán emphasised that citizens expect stable housing, rising wages, and secure pensions, and warned that unmet needs in these areas could lead to economic and social instability. He confirmed that pension reforms and programmes such as “Women 40” will remain unchanged, but stressed that pension values must not decline.

Orbán framed these domestic measures as part of a wider strategy to strengthen economic resilience, attract strategic investment, and ensure sustainable growth without relying heavily on EU directives or consumption-driven expansion.

By Aghakazim Guliyev