In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban publicly discussed his decision to veto financial aid to Ukraine and warned that he could block its path to EU membership. This comes after he had previously allowed other leaders to grant Kyiv accession talks. Orban, known for using clashes with Brussels to appeal to his voters, can still exercise his veto power to hold up future EU decisions on Ukraine’s accession path, budget issues, and long-term aid negotiations for Ukraine next year.
Despite Orban’s objections, other EU leaders proposed that he leave the room while they moved forward with the decision on Kyiv’s accession talks. The quick breakthrough was seen as a critical boost for Ukraine as it fights the Russian invasion. It also highlighted the limits of Orban’s power to influence EU decisions.
Orban made it clear that he intends to use his veto power when necessary, stating that Ukraine’s accession to the EU would be a “very long process” with approximately 75 occasions where Hungary could halt it. He emphasized that Hungarians would not pay for the financial consequences of the decision and implied that Hungary would “pull the handbrake” if needed.
Orban has been at odds with Brussels for years over rule of law issues, which has resulted in frozen EU funds for Hungary. Despite the European Commission recently unlocking some of these funds, Orban still plans to go after the remaining frozen EU funds next year.
Looking ahead, Orban’s continued clashes with other EU leaders will be advantageous for his domestic campaign ahead of European Parliament elections next June and as he prepares to take over the EU’s rotating presidency for the second half of the year.
Despite Orban’s tactical concession at the Council Summit, many view his resistance in Brussels as a strategic move that is shaping policy and ideological priorities. His isolation in Brussels has increased, especially as he has lost Poland from his side and faced opposition from other EU leaders regarding Ukraine’s EU accession talks.
Orban’s resistance in Brussels has garnered support from Moscow, with the Kremlin expressing admiration for Hungary’s defense of its interests. In Budapest, some locals support Orban’s stance, believing that new leaders should be elected in Brussels.
Overall, Orban’s recent actions have solidified his image as an anti-EU rebel, strategically positioning himself for the future.
(Writing by Krisztina Than; Additional reporting by Boldizsar Gyori in Budapest, Andrew Gray, Michel Rose and Gabriela Baczynska in Brussels; Editing by Frances Kerry)
