Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán has justified his government’s use of veto power within the European Union, presenting it as a countermeasure to what he perceives as political pressure from Brussels. During an international press conference held in Belgium, Orbán emphasized his commitment to bolstering conservative and sovereigntist forces throughout Europe. He asserted that patriotic and anti-immigration parties are gaining traction despite recent electoral hurdles, attributing their rise in popularity to dissatisfaction with the EU’s management of issues such as security, migration, economic competitiveness, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Addressing ongoing disputes over EU funding, Orbán reflected on his previous administration’s stance, viewing the withholding of funds as a form of political leverage. In response, his government threatened to block pivotal EU decisions, including the approval of the bloc’s next seven-year budget. Orbán suggested that Hungary should persist in employing its veto power whenever necessary to secure the funds it believes are rightfully due.
Criticism was also directed at the EU’s mechanisms linking funding to political and legal conditions, with Orbán arguing that such measures open avenues for political pressure on member states in the future. He underscored the potential for these mechanisms to be used selectively, creating challenges for member states that do not align with the prevailing EU policies.
Looking to the future, Orbán expressed confidence in the growing influence of conservative and patriotic parties across the continent. He speculated that center-right parties will eventually face a crossroads, where they must decide between forming alliances with the political left or seeking greater unity among right-leaning forces. This potential shift, according to Orbán, could reshape the political landscape within the EU significantly.