Hungary launches a petition against the financial support of Ukraine from the money of its citizens. Orbán claims that Brussels’ demands for war financing represent a disproportionate burden on Hungarian families.
Hungary launched a national petition on Thursday, which aims to express opposition to the financing of the Russian-Ukrainian war with the money of Hungarian taxpayers. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán informed about this initiative through social networks, emphasizing that Hungary refuses to bear the financial burden of the war conflict. The petition also focuses on the rising overhead costs of households, which, according to Orbán, represent an additional burden for Hungarian citizens.
- Hungary launched a petition against financing the war in Ukraine.
- Prime Minister Orbán emphasized his disagreement with the demands of the European Union.
- The petition also responds to the rising cost of living for households.
- Citizens can fill out the petition until March 23.
- Hungary warns of the economic consequences of further financial aid.
In his Facebook post, which featured the flag of the European Union, Orbán said: “We will not pay.” The petition sheets will be distributed by post and citizens can fill them out until March 23. According to information from the magyarnemzet.hu server, this initiative aims to mobilize the public against the demands of Brussels, which Orbán called unreasonable.
Rejection of Brussels demands
Already on January 14, the Prime Minister called on the Hungarians to join forces and reject the demands of the European Union for financing the war. According to Orbán, Ukraine demands from the EU an astronomical sum of 800 billion dollars, which Brussels wants to take from the member states, including Hungary. “These demands would mean a great burden for Hungarian families,” emphasized the prime minister and called for a vigorous rejection of the proposals by Brussels.
On January 14, the European Commission presented a legislative package that includes a loan for Ukraine in the amount of 90 billion euros. This financial assistance is to be provided in 2026 and 2027 and covered from the EU budget reserves. For this purpose, the Commission proposed a change to the multi-year financial framework and the so-called Tools for Ukraine.
Exception for Central Europe
At the December EU summit, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic negotiated an exemption from the obligation to secure this loan. Nevertheless, Hungary continues to criticize Brussels’ plans and emphasizes that any further financial obligations could negatively affect the country’s economic situation. Orbán’s government has long opposed measures that could increase the financial burden on Hungarian citizens, and the petition is another step in that line.
The Hungarian initiative comes at a time when there are intensive discussions in Europe about further financial aid to Ukraine. The issue divides EU member states, with some countries, including Hungary, expressing concern about the long-term economic consequences of such measures.
