Orbán veta adhesion from Ukraine to the European Union

Hungarian leader accuses Brussels of deceiving Ukrainians with illusory promises and says that Kiev’s entry into the block “would change everything” in a dangerous way

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on Friday that his country blocked the beginning of Ukraine’s adhesion negotiations to the European Union. The decision was made based on the results of the national consultation “VOKS 2025”, which was attended by more than 2 million Hungarian voters.

“With more than 2 million votes at VOKS 2025 consultation, we prevented Ukraine’s adhesion to the EU,” Orbán told Hungarian Radio Kossuth, direct from Brussels, where he participates in the European Union summit.

The Hungarian veto and its consequences

According to Xinhua, the Hungarian leader recalled that the EU adherence process is complex and requires unanimous approval of all Member States at each stage. “As long as there is no unanimity, the chapter cannot be opened,” he said, referring to the beginning of formal negotiations with Ukraine.

Orbán criticized the pressure of some European leaders to accelerate the country’s entry into the bloc, classifying the measure as “a direct threat.” “If we admit a country at war, we are admitting the war,” warned the prime minister, expressing concern about the risks of the conflict to extend to the EU territory.

The position of Hungary

Despite recognizing the suffering of the Ukrainian people, Orbán argued that Hungary must offer “without destroying themselves in the process.” He pointed out that full adherence would grant Ukraine complete rights and financial benefits, which, according to him, “would change everything.”

“We Hungarians are serious and honest,” Orbán said, accusing other European leaders of deceiving Ukraine with unrealistic promises. “People in Brussels are mocking them, deceiving the Ukrainians and promising something that is not possible.”

Hungary remains firm, despite criticism

The prime minister rejected the idea that Hungary is isolated in his position, comparing the situation with the country’s opposition to EU migration policies in the past. “A few years have passed, and now everyone is saying what we already said. The same will happen to the issue of Ukraine,” he said.

The Hungarian decision should prolong tensions within the European bloc, where many countries, such as Germany and France, support Ukraine faster integration as a way to strengthen their safety and stability in the face of war with Russia.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has not yet officially commented on the veto, but Diplomats in Kiev have already signaled frustration with Orbán’s stance, which has been one of the leading critics of European support to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion.