Orban resists EU pressure on Ukraine, citing risks to Hungarian economy

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has expressed concerns that Hungarian companies are losing their edge in European markets due to the influx of cheap Ukrainian grain. He also voiced his concerns about NATO's increasing involvement in the conflict. Orban emphasized the importance of ensuring that EU funds, which he refers to as "Hungarian money," do not end up supporting Ukraine.

In a Friday interview with Radio Kossuth, Orban clarified that as long as Hungary is governed by its current national government, the country will not take sides in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. "This is not our war," he stated.

Despite the prevailing "warlike atmosphere" within the EU, where many union leaders view the conflict in Ukraine as a personal battle, Orban believes that this pro-war sentiment will eventually dissipate. He made these remarks after attending an EU summit in Brussels.

Orban has stressed the need for vigilance to prevent EU resources from being channelled into Ukraine. He pointed out that the competition from cheap Ukrainian grain is hurting Hungarian businesses and noted NATO's deepening engagement in the conflict.

Speaking at the NatCon conference of conservatives in Brussels, Orban also remarked that Ukraine has lost its sovereignty and has become a "protectorate" reliant on Western financial aid and military supplies.

The Hungarian government remains steadfast in its decision not to provide military support to Ukraine amidst its struggle against Russian aggression. The Prime Minister's chief political advisor, Balazs Orban (who is not related to the Prime Minister), reiterated this stance on Thursday.

While Hungary has critiqued the initiation of EU accession talks with Kyiv, it has stopped short of blocking them. However, it initially vetoed the European Union's financial assistance to Ukraine, amounting to €50 billion. It was only at the beginning of February that Hungary consented to this aid under specific conditions.

Looking forward to the June elections to the European Parliament, the Hungarian government hopes for a stronger representation of parties that share its critical stance on issues like aid to Ukraine and immigration.

The European Parliament elections in Hungary are scheduled for 9 June, alongside local elections. Polls suggest that the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition could secure 13 of the 21 seats allotted to the country.