Hungary may lose voting rights, funding over stance on Ukraine's EU membership

Mezentseva emphasized that Hungary’s refusal to allow Ukraine’s EU membership could be met with significant penalties, including a loss of influence in the EU decision-making process. She added that Hungary’s actions, particularly its continued political and economic support for Russia, undermine the EU’s core principles.

“When it comes to Hungary's blockade, it’s not just about principles — there are serious concerns about human rights violations and constitutional breaches. This raises whether Hungary can retain its full voting rights or continue receiving the same financial allocations as before," Mezentseva explained.

She added that while Hungary may be worried about how EU funding will be distributed to new members, the growing EU budget is supported by almost half a billion citizens.

Mezentseva also highlighted that EU has a “carrot and stick” strategy for managing such situations, and at the moment, the "stick" is hanging over the Hungarian government. She explained that Hungary might indeed lose its voting rights and funding, referencing past measures that were applied to Poland.

Some feared that Ukraine’s EU integration might stall, but Mezentseva expressed confidence that voters would support Ukraine, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán would not be able to ignore this. She noted that Orbán has visited Moscow more than 10 times since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, which is alarming.

Mezentseva also commented on Hungary's open propaganda, claiming that Ukraine is depriving the EU of resources, calling it false. "Ukraine is not depriving the EU of resources; Ukraine is protecting this project, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. If Ukraine stops defending it, Europe will have to fight on its own," she stated.

She further emphasized that, for the first time in EU history, the union is providing military assistance to a third country, Ukraine. "This was not the case for Moldova, Georgia, or other countries in the neighborhood policy during Russia’s aggression. Now, the ball is in our court, and we will continue working on it," Mezentseva concluded.

• Previously, it was reported that in mid-April, Hungary will begin voting on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Along with the ballot, voters will receive a document detailing the "consequences" and "risks" of Ukraine joining.
• On April 10, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova mentioned that the EU is working with Hungary to "overcome difficulties" in opening all clusters in 2025 regarding Ukraine’s EU accession talks.
• Later, Orbán stated that Hungary will not allow Brussels to force it to support Ukraine’s membership in the European Union. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán voted against Ukraine’s EU membership during a referendum in Hungary.