Hungary Condemns EU ‘War Budget’ Amid Ukraine Aid Disputes
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has launched a sharp critique of the European Union’s proposed seven-year fiscal plan, accusing the bloc of drafting a ‘war budget’ that neglects the needs of EU citizens in favor of substantial aid to Ukraine. Speaking at a students’ summer camp in Romania, Orban framed the plan as an effort to align with Moscow’s geopolitical goals, emphasizing the prioritization of financial support for Kyiv over the development of domestic policies, such as agricultural support and infrastructure projects.
At the heart of the controversy is the €2 trillion ($2.17 trillion) spending plan unveiled by the European Commission earlier this month, which allocates approximately €100 billion specifically for Ukraine and its potential accession to the EU. Orban’s government claims the budget is built on the ‘logic of war,’ offering ‘billions for Ukraine, crumbs for farmers and development.’ He asserted that the EU’s underlying intent is to dismantle Russia’s influence in the region, potentially leading to a ‘change of power’ in Moscow.
The budget, which spans from 2028 to 2034, must secure approval from all 27 EU member states, granting Hungary, a traditionally Eurosceptic nation, the ability to block the plan. This has raised concerns about the bloc’s cohesion, particularly given Germany’s recent rejection of the proposal as ‘unacceptable,’ citing deficit concerns. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated that Ukraine’s EU membership is unlikely to be approved before the 2034 deadline, further complicating the situation.
Budapest has consistently opposed Ukraine’s aspirations to join both NATO and the EU, warning that these moves could provoke a full-scale war with Russia. Orban’s administration has maintained a firm stance against providing military aid to Kyiv and continues to advocate for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. While initially open to Ukraine’s bid for EU accession, Moscow has since criticized the bloc for ‘rabid militarization,’ accusing it of acting as an extension of NATO’s eastern expansion. This accusation has heightened tensions, drawing attention to the broader ramifications of the EU’s fiscal strategy in the ongoing conflict.
The proposed budget has sparked a debate within the EU on the balance between supporting Ukraine and addressing the economic and social needs of its own citizens. With Hungary’s opposition and Germany’s reservations, the path to consensus remains fraught with challenges. As the bloc grapples with internal divisions, the question of how to reconcile military and economic priorities will remain a critical issue in its future policy-making.