Asger Risom
Hungarian PM Renews Criticism of Kyiv and Warns of Soaring Energy Costs
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has intensified his opposition to Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union, calling the move “economic suicide” for the bloc. Speaking Friday during his regular interview on state radio, Orbán argued that admitting Ukraine—particularly through an accelerated process—would devastate the EU economy and hurt European families.
Energy and Sanctions at the Heart of Orbán’s Concerns
As reported by Digi24, Orbán accused the European People’s Party and other EU leaders of choosing to prolong the war in Ukraine through sanctions and energy decoupling from Russia. He claimed this strategy ignores the consequences for European households, which he says are bearing the brunt of rising utility costs.
“If Brussels succeeds in banning Russian energy imports,” Orbán warned, “Hungarian families will soon pay twice as much for gas and electricity.” He pointed to Hungary’s relatively low energy bills—around €650 per year for heating a typical home—compared to significantly higher costs in neighboring countries like Slovakia and Poland.
Linking Peace to Economic Relief
Orbán positioned his government as pro-peace, contrasting it with what he characterized as a pro-war stance in Brussels. He argued that abandoning sanctions and restoring access to Russian energy would lower prices and boost the European economy. “If there were peace, sanctions could be dropped, energy would become cheaper, and families would get relief,” he said.
The Hungarian leader also framed his position in domestic political terms, urging citizens to support the government in the upcoming Voks 2025 referendum, which will focus on Ukraine’s EU membership bid. He portrayed the vote as essential to preserving low utility bills and resisting what he sees as a dangerous political agenda in Brussels.
EU Unity Tested
Orbán’s latest remarks are likely to deepen divisions within the EU over enlargement policy and the future of Ukraine. While most EU states support Kyiv’s eventual accession, Hungary has consistently obstructed both military aid and political steps favorable to Ukraine. The debate underscores the broader strategic tension between national interests and collective European goals in the wake of Russia’s invasion.