Speaking from Brussels, where he had attended the latest EU summit, PM Orbán criticized the approach of the 26 EU member states, arguing that their strategy of continued support for the war comes at the cost of Europe's economic stability.
"We have always said that there should be peace because the Hungarian economy cannot withstand this war," the prime minister stated, reiterating Hungary’s long-standing position. According to PM Orbán, while the EU continues to push for measures that prolong the conflict, the United States and other peace-seeking nations are looking for a way to end hostilities. He emphasized that the division is no longer just between Hungary and the EU but between a broader coalition of peace-supporting countries and the rest of the European Union.
A key topic of the interview was Ukraine's potential accession to the European Union, which PM Orbán warned would have dire economic consequences. "Ukraine’s EU membership would mean the collapse of Europe, including the Hungarian economy," he stressed. He pointed out that the EU has already opened its market to Ukrainian goods to a certain extent, which has had serious negative impacts on Hungarian farmers. He argued that full membership would be disastrous, particularly for the agricultural sector.
The prime minister also raised concerns about the implications of Ukraine’s large military force and the risks associated with allowing Ukrainian citizens free movement within the EU. "Ukraine has 800,000 people under arms, and even before the war, the country was not known for its public security. Allowing unrestricted movement of its citizens into Hungary at this moment would be irresponsible," he explained.
PM Orbán also expressed his skepticism about the EU’s ability to finance the war and its associated costs. He noted that maintaining Ukraine’s military, rebuilding the country after the war, and supporting the Ukrainian state alongside Europe’s own defense needs would place an unsustainable financial burden on the EU. "If we go down this path, we will spend our last cent on this war," he warned.
The prime minister stated that European leaders are now beginning to calculate the actual costs of sustaining Ukraine, a process he believes will inevitably lead to the realization that such expenses are unmanageable. "In the end, the conclusion will be that the EU cannot afford this," he said, reaffirming Hungary’s opposition to continued financial commitments to Ukraine.
Beyond foreign policy, PM Orbán addressed key domestic issues, including the country’s approach to energy costs and migration. He emphasized that Hungary will not bow to Brussels' pressure to abandon its policies on utility price reductions or migration controls. "Brussels wants to scrap our energy price reduction policy, but the Hungarian people do not want any changes," he asserted. He also pointed out that despite external pressures, Hungary remains committed to preventing illegal migration.
PM Orbán also discussed the government’s ongoing negotiations with major retailers over price increases. He warned that they have one week to make necessary adjustments or face intervention. "We are in discussions, but there is a limit they cannot cross. They have one more week to act," he stated.
The prime minister further mentioned that external financial influences are playing a role in Hungarian politics, with funds coming from both the United States and Brussels to support government opposition. He indicated that legal measures will be introduced to address these issues by Easter.
PM Orbán concluded the interview by reaffirming Hungary’s independent position within the EU. He stated that Brussels is reluctant to change its approach but noted that Hungary, alongside other peace-supporting nations, will continue to advocate for a different path. "We must change this position because, if we follow what the 26 other countries believe is right, we will go bankrupt," he said.
With economic and geopolitical pressures mounting, Hungary remains firm in its stance: prioritizing peace over war, national interests over external demands, and economic sustainability over unmanageable financial commitments.