Hungarian PM Orban opposes Ukraine’s entry into the EU

In a letter to the European Council President, Charles Michel, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban requested the exclusion of Ukraine’s topic from the EU leaders’ meeting. According to him, discussions about Ukraine’s EU membership or the allocation of 50 billion euros should be avoided.

Observers from the German newspaper Die Zeit suggest that Orban’s actions might not solely aim at unfreezing subsidies for Budapest but rather reflect his ideological stance. Orban isn’t just a political player; he’s also seeking to reshape the EU. He has established an alternative political model in Hungary and desires its acknowledgment within the EU. This suggests that he genuinely believes the EU’s approach to Ukraine is a significant error. Hence, he’s willing to use his veto power, pressing for a “strategic discussion on enlargement.”

The true motivation behind Orbán’s actions, whether it’s driven by his political beliefs or aimed at securing €22 billion for Hungary, will only be revealed after the meeting. However, it’s becoming evident that the EU’s solidarity as a geopolitical player facing Ukraine is in question.