The Hungarian government has sharply criticized the European Union’s proposed seven-year budget, which would reallocate funds from cohesion and agricultural subsidies—key financial lifelines for member states—to support Ukraine. At a press briefing on Wednesday, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office Gergely Gulyás condemned the draft, arguing it unfairly sacrifices Hungarian and Central European interests.
The EU’s plan designates 88 billion euros exclusively for Ukraine, with an additional 190 billion earmarked for its potential accession. Since the European Commission assumes Ukraine’s membership within the next seven years, the combined 278 billion would constitute roughly a quarter of the total EU budget. Gulyás stressed that these funds are being stripped from cohesion policies and agricultural subsidies, which are crucial for Hungary and other Central European nations.
The minister expressed solidarity with Hungarian and European farmers opposing the cuts, emphasizing that agriculture is a matter of food security. He warned that ending area-based subsidies could force many farmers to abandon their livelihoods, undermining Europe’s self-sufficiency. ‘If the EU abandons its own agricultural standards, it will rely on imports, harming competitiveness,’ Gulyás stated.
Gulyás called on all Hungarian political forces to reject the proposal, declaring that anyone supporting it ‘values Ukraine more than Hungary.’ He noted that unanimous approval is required, giving member states leverage to demand changes. The lengthy negotiation process means a final decision is unlikely before mid-2026.
‘If the EU abandons its own agricultural standards, it will rely on imports, harming competitiveness’
Meanwhile, Hungary is set to launch a subsidized home loan programme on 1 September, offering loans up to 50 million forints at a fixed 3 per cent interest rate. The scheme targets first-time buyers without property ownership exceeding 50 per cent.
Gulyás also addressed the death of a Hungarian Ukrainian dual citizen allegedly beaten during forced conscription, demanding EU sanctions against those responsible. He reiterated Hungary’s refusal to extradite individuals to Ukraine or support its EU accession under current conditions.
Government spokesperson Eszter Vitályos highlighted recent investments, including hospital upgrades, irrigation projects, and new kindergartens, totalling billions of forints.
Responding to opposition claims, Gulyás dismissed allegations of Fidesz bribing rival politicians, calling them baseless. He also criticized the Tisza Party’s migration policies, accusing it of aligning with pro-migration EU proposals.
As Hungary prepares to challenge the EU budget, Gulyás reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting national interests, particularly in agriculture and regional development. The coming months will test whether Brussels revises its approach or faces further resistance from member states.
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