Orbán discusses Ukraine's path towards European integration

Monday, Jul 21, 2025

Orbán claims 95% oppose Ukraine’s EU entry via informal referendum, blocking negotiations despite progress.

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced at the European Council that 95% of Hungarians who participated in an informal referendum oppose Kyiv’s negotiations to join the EU, stating his voice now carries the weight of over two million Hungarians. This opposition makes the path difficult for Ukraine until the next Hungarian parliamentary elections. Orbán presented results from a June 20th consultation showing 95% against and 5% in favor among 2.278 million valid votes, an initiative supported by his government’s Fidesz party. Although not legally binding, this is intended as a political message, with Orbán asserting that the required unanimity for negotiations is absent due to Hungary’s veto power. While technical preparations for Ukraine’s accession are advanced, particularly in areas like rule of law and public administration, Orbán continues to block progress by exploiting the need for unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states.


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