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Hungarian PM warns Ukraine EU membership could increase regional war risk

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 27 July 2025 6:04 AM

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned that Ukraine's potential membership in the European Union could threaten Hungary's security and escalate the risk of conflict in the region.

Ukraine, which was granted EU candidate status on February 28, 2022, four days after the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, has made joining the bloc a national priority.

While Brussels has suggested 2030 as the possible accession date, all current member states must approve the move.

However, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia remain opposed, citing concerns over Ukraine's national preparedness and the financial strain its membership would place on the EU.

In an interview on Friday, Orban said that Hungary, which shares a border with Ukraine, would be especially vulnerable to any possible escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict if the EU continues to expand eastward towards Russia's border.

He warned that Kiev's full membership would come with "war risks."

"If Ukraine's membership is accepted, then we will become the battlefield. The war will geographically affect the neighboring region. This is unacceptable. A lot of young Hungarians would also die. This is not a tactical issue, but an existential one," Orban said.

"Even if all of Brussels turns upside down, Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO must not be allowed," Orban added.

Earlier this week, Orban, a frequent critic of EU leadership, rejected the European Commission's proposed seven-year budget and warned that it could "destroy the European Union."

He said the proposal was designed primarily to finance Ukraine's membership, and estimated that up to 25% of the budget could be allocated to Kiev.

Hungary has also blocked multiple EU military aid packages for Ukraine and has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire with Russia.

Hungary has warned that the financial and security implications of Ukraine's integration could outweigh any potential benefits.

Hungary has framed the issue of Ukraine's membership as a matter of national survival for many of the EU members, rather than a political preference for the Union.

On June 26, the Hungarian government announced the final results of the Voks 2025 referendum. The referendum asked the Hungarian people if they agreed or disagreed with Ukraine joining the EU.

According to the government, 2,278,000 people voted, with 95% opposing Ukraine's accession to the EU and 5% supporting it.