Hungary has no moral obligation to maintain Ukraine's entry into the EU

According to the Hungarian prime minister, Zelensky allegedly tries to determine “which is better for the Hungarians,” and leads a media campaign for pressure on Budapest.

“Dear Mr. President! With all due respect, Hungary has no moral obligation to maintain Ukraine’s entry into the EU. Not a single country has never blackmail the European Union to join it, and this time this will not happen either,” Orban wrote.

He noted that the decision to enter the country in the EU is made by member states unanimously.

“The Hungarian people made a decision. In a referendum, they spoke over the votes against the entry of Ukraine into the EU,” Orban emphasized.

Context

In June 2023, Ukraine, together with Moldova, acquired the status of a candidate for membership in the EU. On June 25, 2024, the European Union officially began negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine on joining the EU.

Orban initiated a referendum in Hungary about Ukrainian European integration. On June 26, 2025, its final results were announced in the country, saying that 95% of the voters allegedly spoke out against the membership of Ukraine in the EU. According to Orban, so Hungary allegedly stopped Ukraine’s entry into the EU. He also stated that Ukraine’s entry into the EU would “draw” Europe into a direct conflict and that no one would seem to agree to this.

Zelensky said on October 6 that “Ukraine will be in the European Union with or without Orban.” According to him, Ukraine is ready to go both according to the usual procedure for joining the EU and alternative routes, and if necessary, will turn to other European Union Member States to support. Zelensky urged to put pressure on Orban, because he “has no right to block Ukraine if Ukraine does everything according to the relevant process.”