Hungary insists Ukraine must wait for EU membership behind Balkans

Hungary has raised concerns regarding the European Union's expansion strategy, emphasizing that Ukraine must not be granted membership ahead of Western Balkan nations. This stance was articulated by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, who highlighted that some countries in the Western Balkans have been pursuing EU membership for nearly 20 years. He criticized perceived double standards within the EU, where support for enlargement is articulated publicly but is often blocked in practice. These comments came during the Budapest Balkans Forum, illustrating Hungary's commitment to defending the interests of the Western Balkan nations while arguing against any hasty accession for Ukraine. Szijjarto's remarks coincide with a broader shift within the EU regarding its enlargement policy in response to geopolitical changes, particularly those stemming from Russia's actions in Ukraine. The EU faces heightened challenges and must navigate the delicate situation of supporting Ukraine's aspirations while not undermining the years of effort that Western Balkan nations have invested in their bid for membership. Hungary contends that allowing Ukraine to leap ahead could adversely affect the EU's economic dynamics, as Prime Minister Viktor Orban has deemed such quick acceptance as "unthinkable." In addition to advocating for a cautious approach towards Ukraine's EU candidacy, Orban has also called for an expulsion of foreign influences, particularly those connected to Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros. He has urged the EU to respect national sovereignty and protect member states' interests while expressing a vision for a European Union that maintains traditional values without the influence of external agents. The push for sovereignty reflects a broader ideological battle within the EU concerning the balance of power between national interests and collective European governance. As discussions on EU membership for various candidates continue, including Ukraine and the Western Balkan countries, the future geopolitical landscape remains uncertain. The emphasis on careful consideration and respect for existing candidate nations’ aspirations suggests that Hungary will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping EU enlargement policies while asserting its national priorities and promoting a more stringent evaluation of applicants.