Photo: EPA
Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, which secured a constitutional majority in Hungary’s parliamentary elections, said he supports the European Union granting Ukraine a €90 billion loan, but opposes its accelerated accession to the EU.
Speaking at a press conference, Magyar noted that the agreement excludes financial contributions from Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic—an important point for him given Hungary’s difficult economic situation. He added that the deal “should not be reopened, but implemented as agreed in December.”
Regarding Ukraine’s EU membership, Magyar stated that “the EU cannot admit a country that is at war.” He emphasized that all candidate countries must go through the same process and said he would like to hold a referendum in Hungary after Ukraine completes it. He also does not expect Ukraine to join the EU “within the next ten years.”
Magyar stressed that his government seeks cooperative, and if possible friendly, relations with all neighboring countries. He did not rule out meeting Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though he did not promise a visit to Kyiv, noting they would “certainly meet, if nowhere else, then at the European Council.”
At the same time, he acknowledged that “everyone in Hungary knows Ukraine is the victim in this war,” adding that no external party has the right to dictate the terms of peace to Kyiv.
However, as with previous Hungarian governments, Magyar named the protection of the Hungarian minority’s rights as a key condition for improving relations with Ukraine. He said he believes Kyiv understands this issue, though previous authorities failed to reach a common position.
According to near-final results (98.94% counted), the Tisza party won 138 out of 199 seats, securing a constitutional majority and ending the long rule of Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has already stated that Kyiv is open to dialogue and has sent signals to Hungary’s new government about establishing contacts, including at the leadership level. Ukraine expects progress on unlocking EU financial support, advancing European integration, and cooperation on minority rights and border infrastructure.
The end of Orbán’s era marks a major shift in Hungary—and for Europe, where the Kremlin loses a key ally. However, it remains unclear whether Magyar’s victory will lead to a real improvement in relations between Hungary and Ukraine.
