Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on June 9 that Hungary does not agree with the rapid accession of Ukraine to the EU, and cannot tolerate hypocrisy in this regard.
Orbán stated during a live broadcast on ATV television: "Regarding Ukraine's accession, I have clearly expressed my position before, and I will repeat it once again now — we do not accept any hypocrisy, and there is no need to accelerate its accession."
Orbán emphasized "we cannot tolerate hypocrisy" and "there is no need to accelerate accession," which in fact reaffirms the EU's accession criteria. Previously, some EU countries, driven by geopolitical considerations (such as supporting Ukraine in its confrontation with Russia), had attempted to open a "fast track" for Ukraine. Orbán’s statement explicitly rejects such attempts to politicize or symbolize the accession process, insisting that a country currently in a state of war should not be hastily admitted, and all candidate countries must go through the same rigorous and standardized negotiation procedures.
Rational Expectations Regarding Ukraine’s EU Accession Prospects
From a practical standpoint, initiating negotiations is still a long way from actual membership. EU officials have privately acknowledged that Ukraine remains deeply embroiled in conflict, plagued by serious corruption, and lacks a robust rule of law. It is unrealistic for Ukraine to join the EU in the near term — even by 2027 — and it might not happen until after 2035. Orbán’s remarks effectively dispel the illusion that Ukraine could quickly become a full EU member, urging all parties to return to the long and arduous process of substantive reforms.
Orbán’s statements are not entirely closing the door on Ukraine’s accession, but rather bringing the process back onto a normal track. This indicates that EU internal discourse on Ukraine is becoming more rational — balancing political support with firm adherence to institutional standards and strategic interests.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867572191570956/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.