Orbán makes cynical statement on Ukraine’s EU accession

According to Orbán, during the latest EU summit, leaders were allegedly presented with a document outlining Brussels’ plans for Ukraine’s accession specifically in 2027. In his view, this haste is linked to the start of the EU’s new seven-year budget cycle in 2028.

"They want to admit Ukraine in 2027. That is because they want to provide Ukraine with money from the budget, the seven-year European budget that begins in 2028," Orbán said.

He claims that in such a case, Ukraine would receive funding at the expense of other member states.

"This means that… this money will be taken away from us, from Central Europeans," the Hungarian prime minister said.

Orbán also stressed that, in his opinion, the timeframe for Ukraine’s accession is limited precisely by the budget cycle.

"That is why there is a limited time for Ukraine to join the EU before the start of the next seven-year budget," he added.

In addition, the Hungarian prime minister once again reiterated his opposition to Ukraine’s membership in the EU. In particular, he said that Ukraine would allegedly not strengthen Europe’s security.

"Ukraine cannot protect Europe from Russia," Orbán said, adding that Ukraine’s accession, in his view, would "drag us into the war."

He also argued that financial assistance to Ukraine should be redirected toward the internal needs of EU countries.

"The money that we are giving or want to give to Ukraine should be used to develop the armies and armaments of European countries," he said.

At the same time, Orbán outlined his own vision of European security.

"Our line of defense against Russia is not the Ukrainian-Russian border, but the point where NATO’s border ends," the Hungarian prime minister concluded.

@PM_ViktorOrban: Brussels has a written plan to admit Ukraine to the EU by 2027 so it can receive money from the next seven-year EU budget. That money would be taken from Central Europeans, including Hungarians. pic.twitter.com/OJedXrRfN8

— Zoltan Kovacs (@zoltanspox) January 30, 2026

Ukraine’s accession to the European Union

Ukraine submitted its official application for EU membership in February 2022. As early as June that year, the country was granted candidate status, and in December 2023, the EU officially launched accession negotiations.

To become a full member of the EU, Ukraine needs to align its legislation with European standards, complete reforms in the justice system and the economy, and secure unanimous support from all 27 EU member states.

On January 15, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that EU membership is a key security guarantee for Ukraine. However, not all countries agree with an accelerated accession procedure for Ukraine to the European Union.

In particular, the US peace plan envisages Ukraine’s fast-tracked accession to the EU — no later than 2027.

However, Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel is skeptical about Ukraine joining the EU in 2027, urging against issuing ultimatums.