Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has made a bold statement opposing Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union, citing concerns about the detrimental impact it could have on his country. Orban expressed fears that allowing Ukraine to join the EU would lead to an influx of crime into Hungary, which he believes would be difficult to control. Additionally, he warned that Hungarian farmers, agriculture, and the national economy would all suffer if Ukraine were to become a member of the EU.
Orban’s stance on this issue is significant, as he is known for his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He emphasized that, under current conditions, the idea of Ukraine joining the EU is “unthinkable,” although he did leave room for the possibility of change in the future.
Implications for Ukraine and the EU
The Hungarian Prime Minister has laid out specific demands for Ukraine, including allowing gas transit to Hungary and requesting the removal of certain individuals from the EU’s Russia sanctions list. Orban has made it clear that he will only consider supporting military aid to Kyiv and accession talks if these conditions are met.
European Union’s Response and Preparation
In response to Ukraine’s decision to stop the flow of cheap Russian gas as of January 1, 2025, the European Union has been actively preparing for the potential consequences. The EU has assured member states that alternative gas supplies are in place to mitigate any disruptions caused by the cut-off of Russian gas transiting through Ukraine.
According to EU officials, the European gas infrastructure has been bolstered with new LNG import capacities since 2022, ensuring that Central and Eastern Europe can receive gas from non-Russian sources via alternative routes. The EU has been working diligently to minimize the impact of the end of gas transit via Ukraine on the security of gas supply for member states.
As tensions continue to rise between Hungary and Ukraine over the EU accession issue, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming months. The implications of Hungary’s opposition and the EU’s preparations for the end of Russian gas transit through Ukraine are significant, with potential repercussions for energy security and diplomatic relations in the region.