Budapest seems quite comfortable with standing apart from Ukraine within the European Union. Similarly, the other members of the EU are becoming more inclined to ignore Hungarian vetoes—especially when they see fit.
The divide between Hungary and the broader European Union continues to grow over the war in Ukraine On Thursday, Budapest expanded its disagreement by once again refusing to endorse a collective declaration at a summit meeting, marking the second consecutive week this occurred.
However, rather than dedicating numerous hours negotiating with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to achieve consensus among all 27 nations—as has frequently been the case during previous EU meetings—the other countries proceeded without waiting.
The European Council has restated its steadfast and unshakeable backing for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its globally acknowledged boundaries,” stated the leaders in a declaration endorsed by 26 nations.
Budapest had clearly communicated its intention to withholding approval well before the fact.
Although the EU has shown mixed reactions to US-spearheaded talks with Russia To bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine, Orbán has warmly endorsed the talks that have mostly left out both Kyiv and the EU.
"As we see it, the sole straightforward task for the European Union is to back President Donald Trump’s initiatives toward achieving peace,” Orbán stated to the media before the Brussels summit, where he refrained from issuing an official declaration upon his arrival.
The leader from Hungary, who maintains the closest ties with Moscow within the European Union, contends that financial backing from the EU should Ukraine prolongs the war, which began with Russia's comprehensive invasion in February 2022 leading to broad global criticism.
Similarly, diplomatic representatives from other European Union nations and officials informed journalists that it wasn’t worth investing time in seeking an accord that could not materialize. What once would have been significant in calmer periods is now turning into routine practice.
No agreement? No problem
In principle, the EU consistently aims to include every nation, even though it isn’t strictly necessary from a legal standpoint when dealing with a supportive statement lacking concrete obligations, similar to what was approved last Thursday.
The remainder of the EU has numerous actions it can take independently. Hungary Onboard, the conclusions highlighted pledges to continue supplying funds and weapons. They also underscored the possibility of EU countries assisting with security assurances—essentially acting as a deterrence to prevent Putin from launching another invasion after the conflict ends—and maintaining pressure on Russia.
As Washington appears to be stepping back from Kyiv and Europe as a whole, Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas is now focusing on arranging new European Union financial support for Ukraine.
On Thursday, all 26 EU countries approved her to proceed with the agreement that member states could participate voluntarily. Diplomatic sources informed journalists before the discussions, speaking anonymously, that estimates ranging up to 40 billion euros were being discussed in Brussels. This includes approximately 5 billion euros earmarked for ammunition; however, no decisions have been officially settled yet.
Over the past three years since Russia initiated its comprehensive assault , Hungary has repeatedly held up chunks of EU funding for Kyiv from other pots of money using its veto. As a voluntary initiative, Kallas' plan to drum up fresh cash would not need Budapest approval.
To gain entry, it isn’t straightforward.
However, for numerous issues, such a solution won’t work: unanimous agreement is required. Supported notably by the Baltic and Nordic countries, Ukraine aims to initiate formal EU membership negotiations this year. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Ukraine might potentially join by 2030 if it continues with reforms, although most people consider this timeline unrealistic.
Satisfying the stringent requirements to become an EU member can take several years, even for nations not presently engaged in warfare. One of the challenges faced by Ukraine includes longstanding struggles with corruption.
Furthermore, Orbán stated that Hungarians will be asked their opinion on whether Ukraine should become an EU member, and he is considering blocking the process. Kyiv received universal consent to begin negotiations when Budapest withdrew its objection.
Speaking to EU leaders in Brussels through video link, Zelenskyy focused on the issue of membership. He stated, “It goes against European values for an individual to obstruct choices that impact the whole continent or those which have already been approved.” He further emphasized, “Europe must act swiftly in decision-making and employ transparent mechanisms to safeguard itself from unwarranted obstructions.”
Additional face-offs looming ahead
Punitive actions require approval from all European Union member countries. For the umpteenth occasion, EU representatives reached a late-hour agreement with Hungary during the previous weekend to extend sanctions against over 2,000 people associated with Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. These sanctions necessitate renewal every half-year, and as reported by several news sources, Budapest demanded the exclusion of a few names from the EU lists.
In July, yet another deadline for renewing the extensive economic sanctions imposed by the EU against Russia will approach once more. Additionally, the EU is currently preparing its 17th round of sanctions measures.
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has previously aligned himself with Orbán regarding the European Union's stance on Ukraine and declined to provide military assistance, suggested he would be prepared to contest additional sanctions if such actions proved detrimental. current negotiations .
Fico stated in remarks captured by the Slovak news agency TASR that we shouldn't persist with sanctions unconditionally.
We might reach a point where we express disagreement since we feel it contradicts the ongoing peace initiatives. Should we view any proposal for additional sanctions as potentially detrimental to these peace efforts, we will be prepared to block it through a veto.
Nevertheless, collaboration in other sectors persists. Orbán agrees with the EU’s strategy to significantly increase investment in defense over the next few years, as Washington becomes more unpredictable and less willing to support European security.
Although it has officially embraced the latest ceasefire pacts facilitated by US The EU continues to await clarity on the direction of the negotiations. However, it’s evident that Viktor Orbán senses an opportunity with his staunch supporter Trump maintaining control. “We believe we are in a strong position,” stated Hungarian government spokesman Balázs Orbán to journalists at the edge of the summit, “as we perceive Europe to be somewhat isolated.”
Author: Ella Joyner (located in Brussels)
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