EditOrbán in Romania: Ukraine’s EU accession would bring war to Europe
The prime minister also called for a national consensus that Hungary should not be locked into any geopolitical bloc
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has once again spoken out against Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, warning that such a move would “bring war into the EU”, this time from the territory of Romania.
Speaking during his keynote address at the Tusványos Summer University in Romania, Orbán argued that the risk of a global conflict is growing and that Hungary must prepare to stay out of any future war, European pravda reports.
According to the Hungarian leader, the lead-up to previous world wars involved escalating great-power rivalries, an increase in armed conflicts, and an intensifying arms race. “Hungary needs silence, calm, and strategic patience,” Orbán stated.
“Ukraine should not be admitted into the European Union – which would also bring war – even if Brussels turns itself upside down,” he said, according to the Hungarian government’s official website.
Acknowledging the limits of Hungary’s diplomatic and military leverage, Orbán said the country should prioritise peace and seek regional partnerships wherever possible. “To stay out of the war, Hungary must develop good relations with all global power centres,” he added.
He emphasised that all major powers should be economically and financially invested in Hungary’s success. “None of them should have an interest in seeing Hungary weakened or destroyed. Avoiding war means being strong enough to defend ourselves. There is still work to do,” Orbán said.
The prime minister also called for a national consensus that Hungary should not be locked into any single geopolitical bloc. “We are part of the Western alliance system, but we must also maintain a presence in the Eastern economy,” he explained.
Hungary is member of NATO and his call “not to be locked” in any geopolitial bloc sounds strange. Economically Hungary banks on Chinese investment and Russian gas.
Orbán reiterated that Hungary offers Ukraine “strategic cooperation” rather than full EU integration, citing the risk of becoming entangled in war. “EU membership for Ukraine would bring the war into the heart of Europe. Our families should not face that kind of danger,” he said in a separate interview posted on social media.
He described Ukraine as a “buffer state” bordering Russia. “Hungary, too, was a buffer country during the Cold War. We do not want to return to that role,” Orbán said, adding that geography cannot be changed.
Meanwhile, at a recent EU summit, 26 member states – all except Hungary – backed the next stage of Ukraine’s accession talks and took note of the European Commission’s positive assessment.
Orbán has previously claimed that most EU countries would reject Ukraine’s accession if national referendums were held.
On Saturday, Orbán also threatened to block the EU’s next seven-year budget if Brussels does not release frozen funds earmarked for Hungary. The dispute centres on concerns over rule of law, migration, and democratic backsliding.
“The approval of the new multiannual financial framework requires unanimity. If we do not receive the remaining funds, there will be no new EU budget,” Orbán warned in his speech in Băile Tușnad.
He also accused Brussels of pushing for a “pro-Ukrainian and pro-Brussels” government in Hungary ahead of next year’s elections.
Orbán further criticized the EU for risking a trade war with a potential future Trump administration, saying that “Europe cannot win such a conflict.” He called for a leadership change in Brussels.
The opposition Tisza party of Péter Magyar holds a strong lead over Orbán’s Fidesz in most opinion polls.
Hungary’s opposition unveils ‘New Deal’ to revive economy and boost living standards
The Commission has proposed a €2 trillion EU budget for 2028–2034, including €100 billion in support for Ukraine. Should Ukraine join the EU by 2034, that allocation would be reviewed.
Caption: A handout photo made available by the Hungarian PM’s General Department of Communication shows Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaking during the 34th Balvanyos Summer University and Students’ Camp in Baile Tusnad, Transylvania, Romania, 26 July 2025. EPA/Hungarian PM Gen. Dept/Zoltan Fischer
Updated: July 28, 2025 - 13:14
