Orban Laments EU's 'Radical Changes' on 20th Anniversary of Hungary's Membership

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed his disappointment and frustration with the radical changes that have taken place in the European Union (EU) since Hungary joined the bloc in 2004. Speaking on the 20th anniversary of Hungary's accession to the EU, Orban used a rural Hungarian saying to convey his disillusionment: "Gentlemen, this is not what we agreed on. Mum, that's not the horse I wanted."

Why this matters: The tensions between Hungary and the EU over issues like migration and family values have broader implications for the unity and cohesion of the European Union. As the EU faces challenges from within and outside its borders, the ongoing debate over its values and policies will have a significant impact on the future of European integration.

Orban, who actively campaigned for EU membership in 2004, highlighted the unexpected influx of migrants as a major point of contention. "I mean, there was no talk at the time that millions of migrants would be allowed into the EU and those who didn't want them, like us Hungarians, would be forced to accept them," he stated. The Hungarian leader lamented the shift in European values and policies, declaring, "This is not what Europe used to look like!"

Despite his disillusionment, Orban still believes that it is better for Hungary to be in the EU than outside it. However, he feels that the EU has undergone significant changes that were not part of the original agreement, including the ridicule of traditional family values. The Hungarian government's efforts to undermine the EU's fundamental values have drawn condemnation from the European Parliament, which has threatened legal action.

Orban also blamed the Russian-Ukrainian war for Hungary's economic difficulties, stating that production was lower and inflation was higher as a result. He claimed that Hungary's economy would have doubled if there had been no war. The country has experienced significant economic and social changes since joining the EU in2004, including the impact of the ongoing conflict in its neighboring region.

The EU's enlargement policy in 2004 aimed to avoid a repetition of historical conflicts in Eastern Europe and to integrate the countries of the former Soviet Union's economic sphere. The institutional framework of the EU was seen as a guarantee of long-term survival for small countries like Slovenia, with open export-oriented economies and hard-to-defend borders. The EU's security concerns and fear of nationalism in Eastern Europe led to the decision to integrate the region.

Orban's comments come amid rising tensions between Hungary and the EU over issues such as migration, family values, and the rule of law. The Hungarian Prime Minister's disillusionment with the EU's transformation highlights the challenges and complexities of European integration, as member states grapple with balancing national interests and the broader goals of the union.

Key Takeaways

• Hungarian PM Viktor Orban expresses disappointment with EU's radical changes since 2004.
• Orban cites unexpected migrant influx and shift in European values as major concerns.
• Despite disillusionment, Orban believes Hungary is better off in the EU than outside.
• Orban blames Russian-Ukrainian war for Hungary's economic difficulties.
• Tensions between Hungary and EU rise over migration, family values, and rule of law.