Orban believes negotiations on Ukraine's accession to EU should not begin

He said this in an interview with Kossuth radio, Index reports.

"There are many questions we do not know the answers to: Ukraine is at war, and its legal system works differently than in a peaceful country," Orban said, adding that it is impossible to know the number of Ukrainians they want to accept into the EU.

According to him, it is also impossible to know how much money will have to be spent on the development of Ukraine and where this money will come from. In this way, EU member states could lose resources.

The Prime Minister suggests that the EU should prioritize establishing a strategic partnership with Ukraine, although this process will take many years. He believes that such a partnership would ultimately bring Ukraine closer to the European community.

"We gave Ukrainians a hundred billion euros, but if we had used it for the development of Europe, the economies would have been in a better condition. Prices for utilities are now higher, unemployment is higher," he added.

Hungary's recent actions towards Ukraine

Earlier, the European Commission excluded Hungary from the economic stimulus program to overcome the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. This decision was made in response to indications of corruption and concerns about the Orban government's deviation from the principles of the rule of law. In particular, this included the persecution of members of the LGBT community.

After that, Hungary effectively vetoed the EU's decision to provide Ukraine with EUR 50 billion in economic assistance until 2027. Orban also threatens to block the start of negotiations with Ukraine on joining the EU.

The European Commission has recommended starting the process of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Orban's government also blocked a plan for EU military aid to Ukraine worth EUR 20 billion and opposed tougher sanctions against Russia.

There is currently no confirmation regarding whether Hungary has committed to the European Union to withdraw its veto once the EU funding is reinstated.

On November 9, the media reported that EU countries were considering an alternative financing plan for Ukraine in case Hungary vetoed the current EUR 50 billion offer.

On November 23, the EU approved the disbursement of EUR 900 million in advance payments under the previously frozen fund to support Hungary's economy.