EU Nations Unite in Support of Ukraine, Hungary Stands Alone
BRUSSELS (AP) — On Thursday, every European Union member except Hungary signed a statement endorsing Ukraine, marking the second instance this month where Budapest was the only country not to participate in such a show of unity.
The conclusions from the summit reiterated the EU’s “ongoing and steadfast support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” garnering the endorsement of 26 out of 27 leaders, as stated in the official press release.
This act serves as a symbolic indication of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s increasing isolation within the EU framework. His ability to hinder genuine EU aid to Ukraine is diminishing, as other member states are finding ways to circumvent any potential veto from Hungary.
Simultaneously, Orbán appears to be emboldened by U.S. President Donald Trump, who advocates for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump has accused Ukraine of exacerbating the conflict by prolonging it unnecessarily, despite Russia’s initial unprovoked invasion.
Unanimity is a key principle for the 27 EU member states in crucial decisions, particularly concerning sensitive foreign affairs. Under Orbán’s nationalist leadership, Hungary has distanced itself from the EU’s stance on the Ukraine conflict, frequently delaying the adoption of significant aid packages and sanctions. However, the remaining EU members are increasingly inclined to move forward without Hungary’s approval, as highlighted in the recent summit.
Orbán has maintained a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and supports Trump’s peace efforts with Russia, which largely exclude both Kyiv and the EU from discussions. Earlier this month, Hungary rejected a joint EU appeal for “peace through strength” involving continued military and financial support for Ukraine.
Orbán remained silent upon his arrival at the summit on Thursday. Recently, Hungary’s European Affairs Minister Janos Boka stated that Budapest would not endorse the joint statement, claiming it conflicts with Hungary’s strategic interests and vision for a new European security framework. As EU leaders strategize on how best to support Ukraine, it is important to note that Hungary cannot effectively block major EU defense initiatives or prevent member states from boosting their military funding, both of which directly aid Ukraine.
