**Hungary to Hold National Consultation on Ukraine’s EU Accession**
Hungary will conduct a national opinion survey on Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union, Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced. The consultation is set to be held using Hungary’s “national consultation scheme,” which has been criticized as a propaganda tool.
The move comes amid ongoing tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, with Orban repeatedly opposing military aid for Ukraine and warning that EU membership would “destroy” Hungary. Orban has maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Hungary’s national consultations are non-binding opinion polls sent to voters with questions framed to align with the government’s position. Critics have pointed out leading wording and low participation rates in previous surveys, with less than 20% of voters participating in a 2023 consultation on EU migration policy.
**Background**
Ukraine applied for EU membership in 2022 and was granted candidate status within months. Accession talks began in June 2024, with European leaders setting 2030 as a target for Ukraine’s potential entry. Hungary holds veto power over further progress, allowing Budapest to delay or block Ukraine’s accession.
**International Developments**
Russia launched missiles at various regions of Ukraine overnight on March 7, targeting energy and gas infrastructure across the country. Russian attacks killed at least two people and injured 24 others over the past day.
Twenty-six EU member states denounced Russian aggression and pledged continued support for Ukraine in a joint resolution issued at an emergency summit on March 6. However, Hungary dissented from this statement.
Ukrainian forces reportedly attacked the command post of the 17th Tank Regiment of the 70th Motorized Rifle Division of the Russian Armed Forces stationed in the Russian-occupied part of Kherson Oblast. Russia suffered 1,150 casualties over the past day.
**Global Reaction**
The United States and Norway increased their aid to Ukraine, with the U.S. announcing a new special envoy for Ukraine and Norway pledging an additional 50 billion Norwegian krone ($4.6 billion) in aid.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suggested that EU leaders should consider more durable solutions than sending peacekeepers to Ukraine. European Council President Antonio Costa stated, “The best security guarantee are the Ukrainians themselves.”
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for a peaceful resolution and announced that he would be making a decision on the matter soon.
**Next Steps**
Ukraine and U.S. delegations have resumed work and are scheduled to meet next week. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this development at the Special European Council on March 6.
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