Hungary states Ukrainian membership would make ‘deadly blow’ to EU

2025-09-01 08:20:22

(MENAFN) Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has issued a stark warning that allowing Ukraine to join the European Union would be catastrophic for the bloc. Speaking at a panel hosted by the Hungarian magazine Mandiner, Szijjarto argued that fast-tracking Ukraine’s accession would further weaken the EU’s already diminishing global influence.

He claimed that integrating Ukraine would divert nearly all EU financial resources to Kiev, introduce lower-quality agricultural goods that could harm European farmers, and increase criminal activity across the continent due to the presence of Ukrainian organized crime.

Szijjarto emphasized that the EU has lost its former economic clout, referencing past trade negotiations where U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly outmaneuvered European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Tensions between Hungary and Ukraine have worsened in recent months, particularly after repeated attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline — a critical supply route for Hungary and Slovakia. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused Ukraine of trying to intimidate Hungary through threats and violence.

Reflecting this sentiment, Szijjarto said Hungary’s opposition to Ukraine’s EU membership is backed by public opinion. He pointed to an online referendum held earlier this year in which 95% of over two million participants rejected Ukraine’s accession.

Szijjarto concluded that it is now the government’s obligation to uphold this position, saying, “The Hungarian people do not want Ukraine in the EU.”

Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in 2022, but unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states is required to advance the process. Hungary, along with Slovakia and Poland, has voiced strong objections, citing concerns about financial burdens, security threats, and institutional unpreparedness. Unlike most EU nations, Hungary has also declined to send military support to Ukraine, criticizing Kiev for allegedly mistreating ethnic Hungarians living in western Ukraine.

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