Hungary has monetary interest in blocking EU aid to Kyiv, perceives Ukraine as competitor — Institute of World Policy

Mahda shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"For him (Viktor Orban - ed.), everything revolves around money. Ukraine was such a marker for him, so he says that they (Hungarian representatives in the EU - ed.) will not allow Ukraine to receive 50 billion euros for 4 years. Why? Because Hungary wants to get the money that is blocked because of its problems with democracy from the European post-COVID recovery funds. Hungary will not get it," said the Executive Director of the Institute of World Policy.

Mahda emphasized that this money is very important for the Hungarian leader.

"He is creating a scheme: until you give us the European money, we will 'croak' for Russian money. Since the Hungarian foreign minister has already visited Moscow 4 times since February 24, 2022, I think there are agreements on the supply of Russian energy resources, so they use this as an element of flirting with Russia," he explains.

At the same time, Hungary perceives Ukraine as a competitor.

"It (Hungary - ed.) will cling to its position and seek support among the countries of at least the Visegrad Four-Bulgaria, Romania, that is, among the neophytes of the European Union. That's why we need to talk to the Visegrad Four, or perhaps the Bucharest Nine, about the fact that we need their support. We have to reach out, not just criticize Orban, we have to talk about things that resonate with local voters," Mahda emphasized. "Because all European politicians are sensitive to voters, and Orban is no exception. In April 2022, he won the parliamentary elections with the thesis that he would not allow Hungary to be drawn into Russia's war with Ukraine, and he is using this very actively at the moment. We also need to take this into account."

• Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on October 26 that he was ready to negotiate with Ukraine on lifting the veto on EU military aid.
• Orban also said he was proud of his contacts with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, whom he met in China in October.
• Politico reported that Orban and Fico had blocked EUR 50 billion in aid to Ukraine at the EU leaders' summit.
• On November 9, Bloomberg reported that the EU was developing an alternative plan to help Ukraine in the event of a Hungarian veto.