FM Szijj¡rt³ Criticizes Brussels’ Plan to Send HUF 80 Trillion to Ukraine

Brussels: Foreign Minister Szijj¡rt³ has raised concerns over Brussels’ plan to allocate an additional HUF 80 trillion to Ukraine, a move he claims poses an unacceptable escalation risk and contradicts the interests of the Hungarian people. He shared these views ahead of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday.

According to About Hungary, FM Szijj¡rt³ highlighted that HUF 46 trillion of the proposed funds are earmarked for arming Ukraine, a step he believes will inevitably prolong the conflict. He warned that the continued war could lead to significant devastation and result in tens or even hundreds of thousands of additional casualties, emphasizing Hungary’s rejection of any actions that extend the conflict.

FM Szijj¡rt³ expressed criticism regarding Brussels’ proposed financing method, which involves using seized Russian assets. He argued that this approach undermines the EU’s legal framework and marks a significant escalation risk. He warned that utilizing frozen Russian assets could provoke a severe response and potentially spread the conflict beyond Ukraine.

The Foreign Minister reiterated Hungary’s stance at the council meeting, stating that the risk of escalation is unacceptable. He cautioned that a direct confrontation between Europe and Russia would have catastrophic consequences, making prevention a top priority.

Addressing tensions with Poland, FM Szijj¡rt³ attributed the disagreements to fundamentally different approaches; while Poland supports the continuation of the war, Hungary advocates for peace. He acknowledged that this difference complicates reaching a meaningful agreement.

FM Szijj¡rt³ also commented on the EU’s REPowerEU regulation, confirming plans by Hungary and Slovakia to challenge it before the European Court of Justice. He argued that the regulation infringes on national competence over energy policy, violating EU treaties, and poses a threat to Hungary’s energy security.

He concluded by emphasizing that the REPowerEU measure contradicts the European Commission’s impact assessments, deeming it unacceptable for Hungary.