Will raise rates, Chalenko said, can Hungary prevent Ukraine from joining the EU

During the meeting of the European Council in Brussels on December 14-15, it will become known whether negotiations on accession to the EU will begin with Ukraine. Hungary opposes and continues to block the adoption of this decision.

The European Commission nevertheless unfrozen 10 billion euros for Budapest. The head of the Center for Analysis and Strategy, Igor Chalenko, told 24 Channels, that the country will further raise rates, because it wants to get all 30 billion that are blocked.

What will Hungary do next

The funds that Viktor Orbán is talking about were provided for Budapest by the European Union's cohesion policy. In 2022, due to problems with democracy, the rule of law, and freedom of speech, 22 billion euros were blocked. Since then, the country has taken certain steps to reform the judicial system, but all procedures have not been fully completed.

During this time, money has accumulated, so as of December 2023, Hungary must to receive 30 billion euros already.

We understand that Hungary will continue to bluff, but at the same time, signals are coming from the country that that a compromise is possible. The decision will be made directly during the meeting, but even its preparation does not mean that we can guarantee what the Hungarian vote will be, – said Igor Chalenko.

Consequently, we should not exclude that Orban will try to “drag out” this issue until next year. He can argue that he should wait for a new report from the European Commission on Ukraine’s fulfillment of its obligations.

Ukraine fulfills all the necessary points and will continue to do so. Now the ball is on the field of the European Union, it must also show its own strength. Also, Putin’s policies cannot unbalance the situation in the EU. Although in fact this is what Orban is doing now,” Chalenko emphasized.

He added. that today Hungary continues to play the role of a “Trojan horse” and is trying to sit on two chairs. Orban wants to please Putin, but also to get 30 billion euros, on which a lot now depends. After all, without this money he could have serious problems within his country.

Viktor Orban's latest statements

• The Prime Minister of Hungary adheres to his position and proposes to provide Ukraine with everything but EU membership. He argues that this is due to unnecessary costs, as well as the fact that it would seem to undermine confidence in the bloc. Therefore, he called the decision on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union a terrible mistake, and also absurd, funny and frivolous.
• The Hungarians of Transcarpathia appealed to Orban with a request not to block Ukraine’s membership in the EU. However, in response, he proposed a strategic partnership with Ukraine. And about joining the EU he said that it was untimely. According to Orban, the European Commission seemed to have failed to properly prepare this issue.
• Vladimir Zelensky was able to exchange a few words with Viktor Orban during a visit to Argentina. The President of Ukraine noted that both countries need to talk and solve problems, because they have common borders. He added that Orban has no reason to block Ukrainian membership in the EU