2023-12-14 21:30:05
EU summit on Ukraine
Written by Rainer Ackermann
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reiterated in Brussels on Thursday that Hungary will not bow to any pressure regarding Ukraine. The Hungarian held several exploratory talks in the run-up to the official EU summit.
Viktor Orbán met Council President Charles Michel on Wednesday evening; This was followed on Thursday morning by a “big group” with Michel, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron. (In recent days and weeks, the Hungarian Prime Minister has had personal conversations with Michel and Macron.)
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán already negotiated with EU Council President Charles Michel in Brussels on Wednesday evening. Photo: MTI/ Zoltán Fischer
Orbán: “A candidate country must first earn membership”
Following all of these special negotiations, the Hungarian stood in front of the media and declared: “The Hungarian position is crystal clear.” When it comes to EU enlargement, he wanted to remind people that this is a demanding legal process – a candidate country must first earn membership . As far as the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine is concerned, it should be noted that Kiev is far from meeting the requirements. The heads of state and government therefore have no need to make a decision.
There is no trade
Responding to the speculation that Orbán would only want to blackmail the EU into horse-trading to give up the Ukraine “veto” only if the blocked Hungarian funds were released, the Prime Minister noted: “Our position is completely independent of any offers.” The EU -Enlargement is not a theoretical question. According to the EU Commission, Ukraine has so far met four of seven prerequisites. He personally doubts this status, but it is irrelevant anyway as long as all the prerequisites are not met.
No rush for special funds
On the subject of a further 50 billion euros in financial aid over a period of four years, Orbán pointed out that there was no need to rush. The EU has launched short-term aid, which is financed at the expense of the budget framework. Orbán is now proposing to organize larger amounts outside of the budget. If this special fund comes into being, Hungary would also be willing to provide support.
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