Politico: EU politicians shocked by Orbán’s threats
European Union politicians had initially brushed aside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent statements regarding the upcoming EU summit, but now they are viewing them as potential blackmail.
The remarks from Prime Minister Orbán over the past day appear to be more than just political theatre over the release of EU funds, suggests portfolio.hu.
According to Politico, there may be a more significant political deal at play. Many speculate that Orbán might wield a veto against the EU summit’s decision to initiate accession talks with Ukraine if such discussions were to arise.
“If we can’t, we shouldn’t start negotiations. So I will take the position that the EU should sign a strategic partnership agreement with Ukraine first,” Orbán stated in a Friday morning interview with Hungarian radio.
In response, Charles Michel, President of the European Council of Heads of State and Government, officially tasked with setting the agenda for EU summits, pointed out that a strategic partnership between Ukraine and the EU already exists.
However, Viktor Orbán also told the radio that he firmly rejects the idea of opening accession negotiations with Ukraine. “Ukraine’s EU membership and the opening of negotiations on its accession today do not coincide with Hungary’s national interests. Therefore, it should not be done.”
Later, he also said on X that the EC had not done its homework and argued that Ukraine’s accession would adversely impact Hungarian farmers.
The next EU summit
The upcoming EU summit on 14 and 15 December raises doubts about unanimous support for initiating accession talks with Ukraine.
Over the weekend, Viktor Orbán repeatedly slammed Ukraine’s EU accession on several platforms. Politico reported on Monday morning that the Hungarian prime minister’s statements had sent shockwaves among decision-makers and diplomats in Brussels.
This has led many to speculate that Orbán might indeed wield a veto against Ukraine’s accession, especially if Charles Michel not only places the issue on the EU summit agenda but also calls for a vote.
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