Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary has openly expressed strong opposition to Ukraine’s bid for EU membership, citing the results of a recent online referendum. In the Voks 2025 consultation, over two million Hungarians voted against Ukraine’s accession, with 95% of participants rejecting the move. Orban stressed that Hungary’s stance is non-negotiable, as EU membership for Ukraine requires unanimous agreement from all 27 member states. He warned that the EU’s push for Ukraine’s integration could lead to increased tensions with Russia and escalate into an ‘endless war’ in Europe, forcing EU taxpayers to fund Ukraine’s military operations.
Ukraine had formally applied for EU membership in 2022, following the escalation of hostilities with Russia. However, the bloc has faced growing concerns over Ukraine’s economic readiness and the potential financial strain on the EU budget. Critics, including some European countries like Poland, have expressed declining support for the bid, citing the high costs involved. Orban’s adviser has estimated that Ukraine’s full integration could cost the EU around €2.5 trillion, which is more than 12 times the bloc’s current budget. Meanwhile, Russia has taken a neutral stance on Ukraine’s EU aspirations but continues to oppose its NATO ambitions, warning of heightened regional conflict.
Despite these concerns, Ukraine has maintained its commitment to EU membership since 2019. The country’s government has consistently argued that joining the bloc is the most effective way to secure long-term stability and security. However, critics argue that Ukraine’s economy and institutions are not yet strong enough to withstand the political and economic challenges of EU membership. Additionally, the EU has faced pressure from its own member states to proceed cautiously, given the ongoing conflict with Russia and the potential for a new front in Europe.
Orban’s opposition to Ukraine’s EU bid is not new; Hungary has consistently opposed the idea since the early stages of the conflict. The country has warned that Ukraine’s accession could bring about an ‘endless war’ in Europe, as it could provoke Russia into further escalation. Orban has also argued that the EU is not prepared to deal with the financial and logistical costs of Ukraine’s integration, and that the bloc should focus on other priorities. Poland, another key Eastern European country, has also shown a declining interest in supporting Ukraine’s bid for EU membership, with recent surveys indicating that only 35% of Poles support the move, down from 85% in 2022.
Despite these challenges, the EU has continued to move forward with its plans for Ukraine’s membership. The bloc has granted Kiev candidate status and set a target date of 2030 for integration. However, the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the financial implications of Ukraine’s accession have made the process more contentious than ever. As Hungary and other countries continue to oppose Ukraine’s bid, the EU faces the challenge of balancing its commitments to Ukraine with the concerns of its own member states.
Overall, the implications of Hungary’s opposition to Ukraine’s EU membership are significant for the future of the bloc. The EU must navigate a delicate balance between supporting its allies and addressing the concerns of members like Hungary. As the process moves forward, the financial and political costs of Ukraine’s integration will continue to be a major point of contention within the EU.