Orbán on leaving the EU: When will we finally leave the Union?

Orbán on leaving the EU: When will we finally leave the Union?

Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary, spoke about a possible exit from the European Union (EU) at a recent residents' forum in Pilisvörösvár. According to a report by vol.at Orbán revealed that US President Donald Trump had repeatedly asked him when Hungary would leave the EU. Orbán stressed that Hungary needed a “good counteroffer” to consider such a move.

A key statement from Orbán was that the time was not yet ripe for an exit. This is an issue of great importance that requires careful consideration and strategic considerations. He also points out that 85 percent of Hungary's exports go to the EU market, which underlines Hungary's economic dependence on the Union.

Economic dependence and relationship with the EU

Orbán expressed his criticism of the EU because, in his opinion, Hungary was not receiving the EU funds it was entitled to. He called for an improvement in relations between Hungary and the EU if an exit was not possible. This highlights the ambivalence of his position, which encompasses both nationalist and economic considerations.

Orbán also made it clear that he was interested in a friendly relationship with Trump and plans to “open several bottles of champagne” if Trump wins. This shows his hope for a paradigm shift in international politics, which could potentially also influence Hungary's position within the EU.

Public opinion and political challenges

A survey shows that almost 80 percent of the Hungarian population supports EU membership. Orbán is aware of this support, but has repeatedly railed against the “bureaucrats in Brussels” in the past. His statement about a possible exit comes as Hungary and Poland are suing over the EU's new rule of law mechanism, adopted in December 2020, which could see funding cuts for countries that violate the rule of law.

The general mood in Hungary is complex. While Orbán often speaks of a “holy war” in the context of the rule of law and the EU, he is also under pressure from a parliamentary opposition and the coming elections. In this context, he first gave hints about a possible exit.

The interaction between Hungary and the EU remains tense, especially in view of Orbán's repeated calls for more “tolerance” from the EU. He emphasizes that Hungary does not want to go in the direction of Western Europe and should not expect other EU states to adopt Hungarian asylum or family policies.

In conclusion, Orbán's remarks paint a multifaceted picture of Hungary's current EU policy. While he does not rule out the possibility of an exit, economic dependence on the EU remains a strong argument against such a move. The political and economic considerations are closely intertwined and will continue to determine the country's political agenda.