Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has strongly rebuked the European Union (EU), accusing it of resorting to blackmail in response to a leaked report suggesting a suspension of funding to Hungary if Orbán persists in opposing the allocation of the bloc's funds to support Ukraine's war efforts.
Orban's comments came during an interview with the French magazine Le Point, where he reiterated Hungary's steadfast stance against a military solution to the ongoing conflict. (Related: EU threatening to SABOTAGE Hungary's economy if Viktor Orban continues to block military aid for Ukraine.)
Orban expressed concern over the proposed EU plan to provide 50 billion euros ($54 billion) over four years directly to Ukraine, emphasizing Hungary's reluctance to support such a measure.
He underscored Hungary's commitment to a diplomatic resolution and underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty of independent nations.
The Hungarian leader argued that the EU's attempt to pressure and coerce Hungary into compliance amounted to a violation of the country's autonomy.
Despite Hungary's opposition to utilizing the EU budget for direct payments to Ukraine, Orban presented an alternative compromise during the interview.
He suggested that Hungary could be open to participating in a solution if the EU would guarantee an annual review, allowing Hungary to decide whether to continue providing the allocated funds.
According to Orban, this proposed approach aims to restore and maintain the unity of the European Union while respecting the principles of individual member states.
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In the expansive interview, Orban also weighed in on the potential return of former U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House.
Orban emphasized the need for Trump's presence in Europe, interpreting Trump's slogan, "Make America Great Again," as legitimizing a similar aspiration for Europe.
Praising Trump as one of the most successful foreign policy presidents, Orban pointed to the Abraham Accords as a significant achievement for peace in the Middle East.
The Hungarian leader speculated that if Trump had been in office in February 2022, the war in Europe might not have transpired, expressing doubt about finding another strong leader capable of ending the conflict.
Hungary already browbeaten into agreeing to Ukraine aid
Last month, European Union leaders convened in Brussels for a crucial summit aimed at urging Orban to lift his veto on the 50 billion euro special fund for Ukraine.
Despite pleas from Ukraine, Orban's opposition has blocked fresh financial aid, leaving the war-torn nation in urgent need of 34.45 billion euros ($37.22 billion) to fund essential services and keep its economy afloat through 2024.
The situation escalated in mid-December when Orban blocked the proposed fund, leading to a legislative impasse.
The unanimity rule requires all leaders' endorsement, providing Orban with leverage to derail decisions and extract concessions.
The summit was seen as a make-or-break moment, with leaders under pressure to find a solution and break the impasse. The proposed Ukraine Facility, tied to a wider review of the EU budget, requires unanimous approval.
The urgency of providing financial support to Ukraine has become more critical due to Orban's persistent veto, compounded by the legislative impasse in Washington.
The proposed fund was crucial for Ukraine's economic stability, including healthcare, education, social protection, and pensions.
The unanimity rule, a key element of EU democracy, is being exploited by Orban, leading to criticism from other leaders who see it as an infringement on sovereignty.
The summit was marked by tensions and frustration, with leaders expressing the need to defend the unanimity principle while dealing with Orban's opposition.
Efforts to understand Hungary's demands for lifting the veto have been challenging, with signals from Budapest considered irritating or unpalatable.
Orban's demands include an annual review of the entire facility, potentially providing opportunities for repeated vetoes.
Watch Prime Minister Viktor Orban declaring that Hungary will not be blackmailed into submission.
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