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Orban describes EU membership for Ukraine as ‘unthinkable’
(MENAFN) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union “unthinkable,” warning that it could have severe economic and security repercussions for Hungary.
In an interview with Kossuth radio on Friday, Orban stated that while he does not oppose Ukraine joining the EU in principle, its membership under current circumstances is unrealistic. “One thing I can say for sure: here and now, this is unthinkable,” he said.
Orban argued that Ukraine’s entry into the bloc would be disastrous for Hungary, particularly for its farmers and agricultural sector. “First, it would destroy Hungarian farmers and Hungarian agriculture. Second, it would subsequently ruin the entire Hungarian national economy,” he warned.
Beyond economic risks, Orban expressed concerns about security, predicting a surge in crime if Ukraine were to join. “I also don’t see clearly how we will curb the crime that would inevitably flood into Hungary along with it,” he said. “I cannot think of a single argument that would justify Ukraine’s accession from Hungary’s perspective.”
Despite his opposition, Orban previously suggested in 2023 that the EU could develop a long-term strategic partnership with Ukraine over five to ten years instead of full membership. He has also rejected Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, cautioning that its inclusion in the alliance could heighten tensions with Russia. Instead, he has advocated for Ukraine to serve as a “buffer” state between Moscow and the West.
Ukraine applied for EU membership in February 2022, following the escalation of its conflict with Russia. It was granted candidate status in June 2022 but faces significant challenges before being accepted. Full membership requires the unanimous approval of all EU member states, and the bloc has insisted that Ukraine implement extensive reforms, combat corruption, and align its legal framework with EU standards.
While EU leaders have not provided a clear timeline for Ukraine’s accession, former European Council President Charles Michel has suggested that if all conditions are met, the country could potentially join by 2030.
In an interview with Kossuth radio on Friday, Orban stated that while he does not oppose Ukraine joining the EU in principle, its membership under current circumstances is unrealistic. “One thing I can say for sure: here and now, this is unthinkable,” he said.
Orban argued that Ukraine’s entry into the bloc would be disastrous for Hungary, particularly for its farmers and agricultural sector. “First, it would destroy Hungarian farmers and Hungarian agriculture. Second, it would subsequently ruin the entire Hungarian national economy,” he warned.
Beyond economic risks, Orban expressed concerns about security, predicting a surge in crime if Ukraine were to join. “I also don’t see clearly how we will curb the crime that would inevitably flood into Hungary along with it,” he said. “I cannot think of a single argument that would justify Ukraine’s accession from Hungary’s perspective.”
Despite his opposition, Orban previously suggested in 2023 that the EU could develop a long-term strategic partnership with Ukraine over five to ten years instead of full membership. He has also rejected Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, cautioning that its inclusion in the alliance could heighten tensions with Russia. Instead, he has advocated for Ukraine to serve as a “buffer” state between Moscow and the West.
Ukraine applied for EU membership in February 2022, following the escalation of its conflict with Russia. It was granted candidate status in June 2022 but faces significant challenges before being accepted. Full membership requires the unanimous approval of all EU member states, and the bloc has insisted that Ukraine implement extensive reforms, combat corruption, and align its legal framework with EU standards.
While EU leaders have not provided a clear timeline for Ukraine’s accession, former European Council President Charles Michel has suggested that if all conditions are met, the country could potentially join by 2030.
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