Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has put forward 12 conditions for the European Union, reflecting his government’s stance on foreign policy and the future direction of European integration.
These proposals, consistent with Orbán’s long-standing nationalist and sovereigntist rhetoric, call for a reorganisation of the EU that strengthens national governments while weakening Brussels’ authority.
Among the key demands is the concept of a “Europe of Nations,” advocating equal treatment of all member states under EU law. Orbán insists on the return of powers to national governments, the reinforcement of sovereignty, and a stronger national veto.
These demands align with the positions of far-right forces across Europe, which routinely criticise the so-called “Brussels bureaucracy” and seek to create mechanisms allowing their governments to bypass EU legislation and shared European values.
One of the more controversial points in Orbán’s proposal is the demand to remove “Soros agents” from the European Commission and to expel “corrupt lobbyists” from the European Parliament.
This phrase, rooted in conspiracy theories, refers to individuals whom Orbán’s government deems as advancing a globalist agenda. It is notable that, in the early years of his career, Orbán himself was affiliated with the Hungarian branch of the Open Society Foundation, founded by George Soros.
Regarding lobbying in the European Parliament, it remains unclear how Orbán envisions defining and removing those deemed corrupt, given that MEPs are elected by citizens of EU member states.
Another demand, framed in populist language, rejects any further borrowing by the EU to finance economic development. This is particularly striking given that Hungary has benefited significantly from EU funding mechanisms, which have supported its domestic economic growth.
Orbán also calls for unrestricted powers for the Hungarian National Guard to secure Hungary’s borders, a rejection of migrant quotas, and the expulsion of illegal residents from Hungary.
This position directly challenges the principles of the Schengen Agreement, which ensures free movement within the EU. It would create an exceptional status for Hungary, allowing it to enjoy open borders within the EU while sealing itself off from external migration.
On the subject of financial transparency, Orbán demands that “corrupt dollars and euros” should not enter the EU. While presented as an anti-corruption measure, this stance contrasts sharply with the well-documented cases of corruption within Hungary’s own leadership.
The Hungarian government has faced repeated allegations of misusing EU funds, while its close ties with Moscow raise further questions about its financial and political independence.
In another appeal to conservative audiences, Orbán proposes a ban on what he calls the “unnatural re-education of our children.” This rhetoric is consistent with Hungary’s restrictive policies on LGBTQ+ rights and aligns with narratives promoted by the right-wing factions in the United States, particularly under the administration of the US President Donald Trump.
Similarly, the demand to “protect Europe’s Christian heritage” serves as a counterpoint to liberal policies on multiculturalism and social progressivism. While the cultural and historical significance of Christianity in Europe is widely acknowledged, it has also been instrumentalised by nationalist leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, to justify political agendas.
Perhaps the most contentious of Orbán’s proposals is the final one: the idea of a European Union without Ukraine. This position contradicts Hungary’s previous support for granting Ukraine EU candidate status and opening accession talks.
Orbán’s shift in rhetoric appears linked to the geopolitical landscape, particularly his alignment with Moscow and the expectation of a more isolationist stance from Washington under a second Trump presidency. The suggestion that the EU should exclude Ukraine is in line with the Kremlin’s strategic objective of limiting Kyiv’s Western integration.
Orbán’s broader vision appears to be based on a recalibration of power dynamics in Europe, where Hungary seeks to position itself as a key player capable of influencing EU decisions.
His strategy rests on the assumption that with Trump in the White House, US involvement in European affairs, including NATO’s security commitments, will be significantly reduced.
This would, in theory, create an opening for Moscow to exert greater influence over European affairs, particularly concerning EU and NATO expansion.
However, Orbán may be underestimating the current political realities in Europe. The recognition that European security must be strengthened, potentially independent of US support, is becoming increasingly mainstream among EU leaders.
If Europe moves towards a more autonomous defence strategy aimed at countering Russian aggression, the leverage that figures like Orbán or Putin hope to gain may be significantly diminished.
Ultimately, Hungary’s position in the EU could become increasingly precarious. Should Orbán push too far in challenging Brussels, he may find Hungary marginalised within the bloc.
While his government has long sought to extract maximum benefits from EU membership while rejecting key principles of European integration, there is a limit to how much divergence the EU will tolerate.
A scenario in which Hungary risks being sidelined—or even faces a reduction in funding or influence—could emerge if Orbán continues to pursue policies at odds with the wider European consensus.
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