Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban addressed a crowd in Romania, outlining his conditions regarding the new European Union budget.
Blocking the EU Budget
Viktor Orban declared that he would not approve the EU budget for 2028–2034 unless the funds allocated to Hungary are unblocked. He stated, "The approval of the new seven-year budget requires unanimity, and until we get the remaining [frozen] funds, there won’t be a new EU budget either." The proposed €2 trillion budget by the European Commission requires the agreement of all member states, and Orban is leveraging the frozen funds to pressure Brussels.
Impact on 2026 Elections
In the same speech, Orban accused EU leaders of attempting to interfere with Hungary’s 2026 elections by supporting opposition forces, claiming that the bloc is working to install a "pro-Ukraine and pro-Brussels government" in Budapest. Opposition leader Peter Magyar, who leads the Tisza party, also criticized the budget proposal, indicating that "our relations as allies cannot be built on a political style of putting a spoke in the wheel."
Change in Hungary's Foreign Policy
Orban, once an outspoken critic of Russia, has shifted to closer ties with Moscow, initiating the Eastern Opening policy in 2010. This strategy led to long-term energy agreements with Russia and increased Hungary’s dependency on Moscow. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Orban refused to support sanctions against Putin, which drew criticism from Brussels and NATO, along with significant ramifications for Hungary's international relations.
Hungary's policies under Orban continue to spark controversy at both national and international levels. His stance on the EU budget and support for Russia illustrates growing tensions in Hungary's relationship with the EU.
