Hungary intends to form a joint alliance with the Czech Republic and Slovakia within the European Union in order to develop a unified position skeptical of the policy of support for Ukraine. This was reported by the Politico newspaper on October 28, citing Balazs Orban, the political director of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
According to him, Budapest expects to coordinate actions with the leaders of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Andrei Babis and Robert Fico, before key meetings of the European Council.
“I think it will come, and it will be more and more noticeable,” Balazs Orban said.
He also noted that such cooperation had already proved effective during the migration crisis, when the Visegrad Four group operated.
The politician stressed that the new format could include three countries, without Poland, which, under current Prime Minister Donald Tusk, takes a firm position in support of Kiev. At the same time, Babis and Fico, as noted by Politico, share the position of the Hungarian leader, advocating dialogue with Moscow and against increasing economic pressure.
According to the newspaper, Hungary is also seeking to strengthen ties in the European Parliament through its Fidesz party, which is part of the far-right Patriots for Europe group. Budapest is considering the possibility of expanding cooperation with other Eurosceptic associations.
Earlier, on October 27, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that after the conflict was over, he would not like to see Ukraine become a member of the European Union. He stressed that EU countries should develop a strategic partnership with Kiev, not full membership, so as “not to exacerbate internal disagreements and weaken the union’s economy.”
