Orban Calls EU Membership for Ukraine ‘unthinkable’
According to Viktor Orban, Ukraine joining the EU may lead to Hungary's economic downfall and an increase in crime rates. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has voiced strong opposition to Ukraine’s potential membership in the EU, labeling the notion as “unimaginable” and cautioning about dire economic and security implications for Hungary if Kyiv gains entry into the bloc.
In a Friday interview with Kossuth Radio, Orban noted that while he does not entirely rule out Ukraine’s EU membership in theory, the current situation makes it nearly impossible. “One thing I can say for sure: here and now, this is unthinkable,” he stated.
Orban contended that Ukraine joining the EU would be detrimental, asserting that “first, it would destroy Hungarian farmers and Hungarian agriculture. Second, it would subsequently ruin the entire Hungarian national economy.”
In addition to economic apprehensions, Orban warned of a potential rise in crime in Hungary should Ukraine join the EU. “I also don’t see clearly how we will curb the crime that would inevitably flood into Hungary along with it,” he remarked. “I cannot think of a single argument that would justify Ukraine’s accession from Hungary’s perspective.”
Orban has consistently criticized Ukraine’s moves toward integration with Western institutions; however, back in 2023, he suggested that the EU might consider establishing a five- to ten-year strategic partnership agreement with Kyiv to facilitate its alignment with the bloc. He has also expressed concerns over Ukraine's NATO aspirations, cautioning that joining the alliance could heighten tensions with Russia, and he proposed that Ukraine should remain a “buffer” state between Moscow and the West.
Ukraine submitted its application for EU membership in February 2022, shortly after the onset of increased conflict with Russia, and it was granted candidate status in June 2022.
Nevertheless, Ukraine faces substantial challenges on its path to full membership, as such a step necessitates the unanimous consent of all EU member states. Furthermore, the EU has stipulated that Ukraine must undertake a comprehensive array of governance reforms, tackle widespread corruption, and align its legislation with EU law.
While EU officials have not provided a concrete timeline for Ukraine's accession, former European Council President Charles Michel has indicated that the country might be able to join by 2030 if it fulfills all necessary conditions.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
In a Friday interview with Kossuth Radio, Orban noted that while he does not entirely rule out Ukraine’s EU membership in theory, the current situation makes it nearly impossible. “One thing I can say for sure: here and now, this is unthinkable,” he stated.
Orban contended that Ukraine joining the EU would be detrimental, asserting that “first, it would destroy Hungarian farmers and Hungarian agriculture. Second, it would subsequently ruin the entire Hungarian national economy.”
In addition to economic apprehensions, Orban warned of a potential rise in crime in Hungary should Ukraine join the EU. “I also don’t see clearly how we will curb the crime that would inevitably flood into Hungary along with it,” he remarked. “I cannot think of a single argument that would justify Ukraine’s accession from Hungary’s perspective.”
Orban has consistently criticized Ukraine’s moves toward integration with Western institutions; however, back in 2023, he suggested that the EU might consider establishing a five- to ten-year strategic partnership agreement with Kyiv to facilitate its alignment with the bloc. He has also expressed concerns over Ukraine's NATO aspirations, cautioning that joining the alliance could heighten tensions with Russia, and he proposed that Ukraine should remain a “buffer” state between Moscow and the West.
Ukraine submitted its application for EU membership in February 2022, shortly after the onset of increased conflict with Russia, and it was granted candidate status in June 2022.
Nevertheless, Ukraine faces substantial challenges on its path to full membership, as such a step necessitates the unanimous consent of all EU member states. Furthermore, the EU has stipulated that Ukraine must undertake a comprehensive array of governance reforms, tackle widespread corruption, and align its legislation with EU law.
While EU officials have not provided a concrete timeline for Ukraine's accession, former European Council President Charles Michel has indicated that the country might be able to join by 2030 if it fulfills all necessary conditions.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
