Hungary to Hold Referendum on Ukraine’s EU Membership, Announces Orban

March 7, 2025 – 10:37 AM

BUDAPEST – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced that Hungary will hold a national referendum on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Speaking to journalists following the EU summit in Brussels, Orban emphasized the need for public consultation before making such a significant decision.

“I think we need to take the issue of Ukraine’s membership in the European Union seriously,” Orban stated, according to reports from foreign media. “It is impossible to make a responsible decision on this issue now, and I don’t want this decision to go over people’s heads. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that we will initiate a vote on Ukraine’s membership in the European Union. We will hold it the same way we hold national consultations – quickly and simply.”

Public Opinion to Play a Crucial Role

Orban underlined the importance of gauging public sentiment regarding Ukraine’s potential EU membership, stressing that the Hungarian people must have a say in such a critical matter.

“We need to know to what extent people are willing to sacrifice their interests for the sake of further support for Ukraine,” he said.

The Hungarian Prime Minister has long expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s accession, citing concerns over economic stability, agricultural impacts, and national security. He has particularly criticized Kyiv for its alleged failure to restore the rights of the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia and its policies affecting Hungary’s energy security.

EU Leaders Debate Military Support for Ukraine

Orban also provided insights into discussions at the EU summit, revealing that European leaders were heavily debating continued military support for Ukraine.

“The Americans have made it clear that they are significantly reducing the level of support, and in some areas have even stopped it. Now the Europeans are battling over the question of whether Ukraine should continue the war with exclusively European support,” Orban said in an interview with Hungarian television. “Most European leaders are inclined to say that this war should continue. Ukraine must continue the war, so Europe is not only bearing its own burden, but it is also taking on the financial and military burden that was previously borne by the Americans.”

Zelenskyy Addresses EU Leaders

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was invited to Brussels to provide an update on the war and Ukraine’s aspirations for EU membership. Orban noted that EU leaders had asked Zelenskyy numerous questions about the situation on the front lines and Ukraine’s vision for its future.

“I can tell you that the situation on the front line has not changed, the fighting continues,” Orban remarked.

Future of Ukraine’s EU Aspirations Uncertain

Despite his opposition to immediate membership, Orban has not ruled out Ukraine joining the EU in the future, provided it meets all necessary conditions for candidacy. However, the upcoming Hungarian referendum is likely to be a key factor in shaping the country’s stance on Ukraine’s integration into the European bloc.

The decision to hold a referendum underscores Hungary’s continued independent approach within the EU, prioritizing national interests and public opinion on critical geopolitical matters. The date for the referendum has yet to be announced.

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