Orban worries Ukraine's EU entry could deplete Hungarian European funds
Victor Orban (Photo: facebook.com/orbanviktor)
The Hungarian government fears that if Ukraine becomes a member of the European Union, all the Central European aid from the bloc will go to Kyiv, states Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban.
Orban reminded that a country in a state of war had never sought EU membership.
According to him, it's unclear whether Ukraine would join the EU along with the territories temporarily under Russian occupation. It's worth noting that there are no ongoing discussions about 'partial membership' for Ukraine.
"Certainly, if Ukraine joins, all the aid that has been provided to Central European countries, including Hungary, will be transferred to them," added Orban.
Background
Hungarian officials have repeatedly expressed opposition to Ukraine's EU membership as long as the country continues the war with Russia.
According to the Hungarian Foreign Minister, this could potentially lead to "war entering the EU."
Budapest could have also blocked the start of negotiations regarding Ukraine's EU accession, which were discussed at the European Council summit. However, Prime Minister Viktor Orban took a coffee break during the discussion on this issue.
Meanwhile, Hungary vetoed the provision of 50 billion euros to Ukraine from EU countries until 2027.
