Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has emphasized the need for the European Union (EU) to address a series of complex issues before embarking on negotiations regarding Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU. This call comes as the EU evaluates the prospects of expanding its membership to include Ukraine, a move that carries significant geopolitical implications.
“We cannot evade this fundamental question. When we engage in discussions in Brussels this autumn concerning Ukraine’s future, the prospect of initiating accession talks with a country embroiled in a conflict becomes a pivotal issue,” Orban stated during an interview with state radio.
“The ongoing war has left us uncertain about the actual territorial extent of this country and the size of its population, as many have been displaced,” he explained. “Admitting a country into the EU without a clear understanding of its parameters would be an unprecedented step. Therefore, I believe we must address a series of extensive and challenging questions before reaching a decision on commencing accession talks.”
Orban’s approach reflects his efforts to foster closer relations with Moscow, which distinguish him from many of his EU counterparts. He has also encountered disagreements with Kyiv, particularly concerning the educational rights of ethnic Hungarians and Ukraine’s 2017 law restricting the use of minority languages in schools.
While acknowledging Ukraine’s aspiration to join the EU, Orban stressed that the EU must provide clear answers to pressing questions, including concerns related to the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, security implications, and economic readiness.
