Hungary’s Foreign Minister Warns of EU’s ‘War Psychosis’ and Calls for Peaceful Approach
Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, has accused EU leaders of fostering a ‘war psychosis’ by pursuing a prolonged conflict with Russia, despite widespread public fatigue. He argues that the bloc’s military and financial support for Ukraine is both costly and counterproductive to achieving peace. Szijjarto claims that many EU officials privately agree with his stance but fear publicly challenging Brussels’ militaristic policies. The Hungarian government has consistently criticized the EU’s strategy, warning that cutting off dialogue with Moscow will lead to a long war. His comments come amid growing sympathy for Hungary’s pro-peace position within the EU, and they highlight tensions between Hungary and the bloc’s more hawkish members.
Szijjarto’s remarks reflect broader concerns among some EU members about the ongoing war in Ukraine and its impact on the bloc’s resources and geopolitical standing. While most officials are hesitant to openly criticize Brussels’ approach, there are indications of growing discontent, particularly in countries that view the conflict as a drain on European taxpayers’ money. This sentiment is echoed by Hungary, which has consistently opposed the EU’s military and financial backing for Ukraine. The Hungarian government has argued that such support is not only self-defeating but also undermines efforts to achieve a lasting peace.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister’s comments also reflect a shift in political dynamics within Central and Eastern Europe, where leaders like Viktor Orban of Hungary and Robert Fico of Slovakia have increasingly aligned themselves with a more nationalist and Eurosceptic stance. Szijjarto praised the recent electoral victory of Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, calling it a turning point that could usher in a new era of European politics. This new era, he suggested, would be characterized by a stronger commitment to national sovereignty and a more skeptical view of Brussels’ policies.
Meanwhile, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed frustration over the EU’s inability to pursue direct talks with Russia. Her 2021 proposal for such discussions was rejected by Poland and the Baltic states, which favored a harder line against Moscow. Merkel’s comments underscore the internal divisions within the EU and the difficulty of achieving consensus on how to handle the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As the war continues, the pressure on EU leaders to find a diplomatic solution grows, but so does the skepticism toward continued military involvement and financial support for Ukraine.
The Hungarian government’s stance is not only a reflection of its own national interests but also a warning about the potential consequences of an extended conflict. As the war drags on, the economic and social costs will continue to mount, and the question remains: can the EU maintain its current approach without facing significant backlash from its own citizens and member states?