Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a harsh criticism of most EU leaders regarding their strategies to address Russian violations of member states' airspace, as talked about during the EU summit in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
Upon arriving at the European Political Community meeting in Copenhagen on Thursday, Orbán stated that "the EU has chosen to go to war" and mentioned that during Wednesday's informal EU summit, they revealed their plan for fighting the Russians, which he described as "disturbing."
He mentioned the EU leaders' choice to offer "general backing" for initiatives aimed at accelerating the advancement of drone and counter-drone technology, as well as utilizing frozen Russian assets to provide financial assistance to Ukraine.
"Leaders generally backed the first set of key flagship initiatives aimed at enhancing Europe's security, such as the European drone wall and the Eastern Flank Watch," said European Council President Antonio Costa to reporters after the informal meeting in the Danish capital.
As per Orbán, this approach is harmful to Hungary and the whole European Union. The prime minister stated that the ruling party will initiate a petition opposing what he referred to as "the EU's military plans."
"The pressure is significant. Therefore, I will recommend to the Fidesz leadership that we initiate a signature campaign in Hungary opposing the EU's military plans. As we need all our strength to remain out of this conflict," Orbán stated.
Orban states that "the Costa plan is no longer viable"
The Hungarian leader also addressed his refusal of the proposal made during the summit to change the EU's expansion policies in order to speed up Ukraine's joining negotiations.
The so-called Costa plan proposed eliminating the need for unanimous agreement to initiate each negotiation chapter.
Modifying the rules also demands consensus, and Hungary will block Ukraine's entry into the EU, as stated by Orbán.
"I informed them, I disagree, so this plan is dead," Orbán stated.
The Hungarian prime minister also reiterated his stance that, rather than full EU membership, Ukraine should attain a strategic partnership with the EU, which he referred to as "a better idea." In his opinion, full membership would imply that "the war would spread into the European Union."
For years, Orbán has opposed Ukraine's accession and financial aid to Ukraine, hindering numerous supportive decisions in Brussels, yet yielding to EU pressure by supporting multiple sanctions packages against Russia.
The Hungarian administration launched an anti-Ukraine initiative this year, including advertisements that showed Volodymyr Zelenskyy with opposition figure Péter Magyar.
The administration also initiated a survey regarding Ukraine's application for EU membership, with the government stating that 95% of participants opposed Ukraine's accession to the 27-nation union.
Tusk to Orbán: 'Which team are you part of?'
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed Orbán's remarks through a social media update.
"It is Russia that ignited the conflict with Ukraine. It is they who have determined that we are now in a period of war. And during such times, the sole question is which side you are on," Tusk stated.
Tusk and Orbán experienced what appeared to be a tense moment during the EPC summit, which ultimately resulted in light-hearted teasing when they greeted each other upon arrival and took a photo together.
Orbán, positioned beside Tusk, stated that the EU's defense expenditures are significantly higher than those of Russia, "so why are we afraid, we are stronger than them," to which Tusk responded, "I enjoy it when he adopts my points."
The mayor of Budapest refers to Orbán's opposition to Ukraine within Hungary as 'disgraceful'
At the same time, Gergely Karácsony, the mayor of Budapest and leading opponent of Orban, who is part of the green party, stated to Euronews on Wednesday that Ukraine's entry into the EU is a distinct national interest for Hungary.
Karácsony stated that government propaganda has shifted its focus to oppose Ukraine and its aspirations toward the EU, as "they have exhausted their list of fictional adversaries."
It would serve Hungary's national interest to back Ukraine's entry into the EU, despite the significant financial resources required from the EU fund, according to the mayor's statement to Euronews.
"The Hungarians from Transcarpathia are in agreement that the Hungarian government should back Ukraine's entry into the European Union," Karácsony stated.
This presents a significant chance for the European economy, as the EU could grow by including a member state that offers a substantial market and abundant resources.
"But regrettably, we have not reached that point yet. Clearly, we must see the war through to its conclusion, to the cessation of hostilities," he noted.
"And joining the European Union is not something that will happen tomorrow, but I am convinced that Hungary's backing for Ukraine's entry is in our most important national interest. I don't see any reason to oppose this," Karácsony concluded.
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