Orbán Asserts Ukraine Not Ready for EU Membership Despite European Commission Report

Nov 10 (EUROPA PRESS) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has warned this Friday that Ukraine is not yet prepared to join the European Union. This statement comes just two days after the European Commission recommended starting accession talks by March 2024 and a month ahead of a crucial meeting of the heads of State and Government.

While Brussels has proposed March 2024 as the start date for these talks, a report acknowledges that Kyiv still needs to complete all pending reforms. The next step falls on the European Council, where unanimity among the Twenty-Seven is required.

Without Hungary's support, Ukraine’s European integration will not progress, and Orbán has reiterated in a radio interview on Friday that he does not believe this is the right time. He also urged the European Commission not to link the potential disbursement of funds to Hungary's stance on this issue, criticizing the idea of revising the EU budget to increase aid to Ukraine.

Orbán, often critical of Brussels' "bureaucrats," has accused the Commission of serving other interests and neglecting fundamental objectives. Immigration is another contentious issue for Orbán, who opposes any deal that facilitates the arrival of foreigners.

“Hungary belongs to Hungarians, and jobs should go to Hungarians. It’s up to the Hungarians to set the rules,” Orbán firmly stated, referring to potential terrorism risks. He plans to promote new laws to strengthen such positions, as revealed by statements disseminated by the Hungarian Government itself.