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Hungary's Prime Minister announces veto on EU budget

Viktor Orban insists on receiving frozen funds before any budget agreement.

July 26, 2025 at 04:57 PM

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban vows to veto EU budget over frozen EU funds

Tensions rise between Hungary and the EU as Orban insists on receiving frozen funds before agreeing to the budget.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban threatens EU budget with veto

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that Hungary will veto the European Union's budget until it receives approximately €18 billion in frozen funds. This includes about €9.5 billion designated for COVID-19 recovery and €8.4 billion in cohesion funds. During a speech at Bálványos Free University, Orbán emphasized that the EU's record-breaking budget requires unanimity and accused the European Commission of financial blackmail and interference in Hungary's sovereign matters. Despite Hungary previously unblocking €10.2 billion of the frozen funds through reforms aimed at enhancing judicial independence, tensions remain high, particularly due to ongoing disputes stemming from Hungary's democratic backsliding and its stance on the war in Ukraine.

Key Takeaways

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Orban vows to veto EU budget over frozen funds.

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Hungary demands release of €18 billion before agreeing to terms.

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He accuses the EU of financial blackmail and meddling.

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Past reforms allowed Hungary to unblock €10.2 billion in funds.

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Tensions grow as Orbán criticizes EU backing of Ukraine.

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The EU budget requires unanimous agreement among member states.

"And until we get our backlog of money, there will be no new European budget."

Orban emphasizes Hungary's stance on securing funds before agreeing to the EU budget.

"We will bring it home, and we will not make any concessions on our sovereignty."

This statement illustrates Orban's commitment to Hungary's national sovereignty amidst financial disputes.

"They are meddling in our domestic matters due to reasons for freezing the funds."

Orban criticizes the EU's actions as intrusive and unjustified.

"We got a very clear, very understandable vision from the Prime Minister."

An audience member's response highlights support for Orban’s vision despite external challenges.

Orban’s insistence on vetoing the EU budget reflects long-standing tensions between Hungary and Brussels. His claims of financial blackmail are emblematic of a broader struggle over national sovereignty versus EU oversight. As Hungary grapples with its political challenges, Orbán's rhetoric reinforces domestic support while positioning him as a defender against perceived external threats. This defiance may have further implications for Hungary's relations with the EU and could lead to increased polarization among member states as they navigate complex financial dependencies and democratic standards.