Ukraine accuses Hungary of 'anti‑Ukrainian hysteria' over EU membership poll
Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary (Getty Images)
The Hungarian government is engaging in anti-Ukrainian hysteria and manipulating facts about Ukraine's EU membership, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated. This comes amid a public survey conducted in Hungary on Ukraine's accession to the European Union.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reminded that Hungary recently concluded its so-called consultations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union, which took place from April 14 to June 20.
"We respect those Hungarians who took part in the process, including those whose views differ from ours. We are ready to hear their concerns and explain our position," the ministry stated.
There are still no official results of the survey. However, the Foreign Ministry noted that "it is hard to doubt the manipulative intent" of such an initiative by the Hungarian government, which, they emphasized, has nothing to do with democratic principles.
The ministry pointed out that during the "consultations," Hungarian officials made every effort to secure a predetermined outcome, including stirring up hostility toward anything associated with Ukraine.
"The real aim of this anti-Ukrainian hysteria is to divert Hungarian society's attention away from the government's socio-economic failures by fabricating an external enemy. We are convinced that the majority of Hungarians can see through this primitive manipulation," the ministry added.
The MFA also stressed that Ukraine's EU accession is in Hungary's strategic interest, as it would help ensure regional stability, security, and prosperity for all Ukrainian citizens, including members of the Hungarian minority. That's why, they noted, minority leaders have previously appealed to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán not to block Ukraine's EU membership.
"If the Hungarian government has concerns about Ukraine's integration into the European Union, it should instead support the launch of accession talks. The negotiation process exists precisely to address and resolve member states' concerns when admitting new countries," the ministry concluded.
Opposition's poll
The Hungarian opposition party Tisza previously conducted its own poll on Ukraine's potential EU membership.
According to the results, 58% of Hungary's population supports Ukraine joining the bloc.
