Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, during a conversation with journalists in Copenhagen, refused to acknowledge Russia as the greatest threat to Europe. He believes that the real danger for the European continent lies in economic stagnation and loss of competitiveness.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“The real danger, you know, is economic stagnation and loss of competitiveness; that is the danger.”
Orban on the balance of power with Russia
When asked whether Russia poses a serious threat to Europe, Orban stated that European countries have significantly greater potential compared to the Russian Federation. According to him, the population of Europe exceeds 400 million, while Russia has approximately 130 million inhabitants. Furthermore, the GDP of the European Union is much larger, and the combined military expenditures of the 27 member states surpass those of Russia. Therefore, Orban believes there is no reason to fear Russia, as Europe holds an advantage in strength and resources.
Discussion on Ukraine’s accession to the EU and NATO
During the summit, there was also an indirect discussion between Viktor Orban and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen regarding Ukraine’s future membership in the European Union and NATO. Orban expressed opposition to Ukraine’s full membership in the EU, emphasizing support for a strategic partnership with Kyiv. He noted that Ukraine’s membership would mean bringing the war into the EU and obligating financial support from the Union, which does not suit Budapest. Orban believes that a strategic partnership with Ukraine, with clear economic, energy, and security agreements, is an acceptable compromise.
In turn, Mette Frederiksen expressed regret over Hungary’s position and stated her support for Ukraine’s NATO membership, as she believes it could prevent the escalation of a full-scale war. She considers that if NATO membership is currently impossible, Ukraine’s EU membership is the next best option. However, Frederiksen emphasized that Ukraine’s advancement towards the EU is currently being blocked by Hungary.
It is known that Hungary is delaying the opening of the first negotiation cluster “Foundations” for Ukraine. Viktor Orban had previously explained his position by citing insufficient protection of the rights of national minorities in Ukraine, particularly the Hungarian community, and later began to argue this based on the ongoing war in the country.
On September 5, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto confirmed that the country’s position on Ukraine’s membership in the European Union remains unchanged. This statement followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call to pay attention to signals from Russia regarding the perception of Ukraine’s potential EU membership.