**Hungary’s Orban Vows to Block Ukraine’s EU Accession**
In a recent social media post, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has expressed strong opposition to Ukraine’s potential membership in the European Union. On June 3, Orban promised to “do everything” to prevent Ukraine from joining the bloc, citing concerns over economic and national security implications.
Orban’s stance is not surprising, given Hungary’s close ties with Russia. Under his leadership, Budapest has become increasingly aligned with Moscow, earning it the reputation as the most Kremlin-friendly state in the EU. This alignment has led to a series of disputes between Hungary and Ukraine, particularly regarding the treatment of ethnic Hungarians living in Ukraine.
**The Root of Orban’s Concerns**
Orban’s opposition to Ukraine’s EU accession is rooted in his concerns over economic impact on Hungary and Europe as a whole. He claims that Ukraine would become a significant drain on European resources, competing with Hungarian interests for funding and support. This assertion has been met with skepticism by many, who argue that the benefits of Ukraine’s membership in the EU far outweigh any potential drawbacks.
**The Role of Hungary in Ukraine’s Accession**
As a member state of the EU, Hungary holds significant veto power over Ukraine’s accession process. Budapest has already begun to exercise this power, blocking the opening of EU accession negotiation clusters with Kyiv and signaling further obstruction. The recent scandal involving an alleged Hungarian spy ring in western Ukraine has further strained relations between the two countries.
**EU Reactions**
The European Union has expressed its desire for Ukrainian membership, setting a tentative target date of 2030 for potential entry. However, EU leaders have acknowledged that they have alternative plans in place if Hungary vetoes Ukraine’s accession to the bloc. The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stated on May 9 that while unanimous support would be preferred, the union has contingency measures in place.
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