Hungarians Will Decide on Ukraine's EU Membership

The campaign informing citizens about the upcoming consultative vote—dubbed Voks 2025—on Ukraine’s EU membership has commenced. The government's position is clear: Ukraine’s accession to the EU would cause significant damage to Hungary’s economy. In matters that affect the nation’s future, Hungary's ruling Fidesz–Christian Democrat (KDNP) party alliance regularly seeks the opinion of the Hungarian people. National consultations and referendums held in recent years have enabled voters to provide clear and firm mandates to the government on key issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Photo: MTI/EPA/Sergiy Dolzhenko)

Tamas Menczer, the communications director of the Fidesz–Christian Democrat (KDNP) party alliance, announced last week that the governing parties would begin a political tour around the country, primarily to draw attention to the dangers of Ukraine's EU membership.

Ukraine’s accession would cost every Hungarian millions of forints, and there are still countless unanswered questions,

– Gergely Gulyas pointed out at during last Thursday’s regular government press briefing.

The minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office elaborated: one such question is determining the exact territory that would join the EU, given that we’re talking about a country at war.

Action Points

The Hungarian government already has significant experience in successfully representing Hungarian interests in Brussels, often relying on the clear and firm opinions of the Hungarian people. When Viktor Orban announced that the government would initiate a consultative vote, he stated that it would be conducted in the same manner as the national consultations—swiftly and simply.

n the last 15 years, national consultations have been very helpful in establishing points of agreement between the government and the electorate. The most recent national consultation, held last fall, focused primarily on Hungary’s economic sovereignty and neutrality, but also addressed economic growth, wage increases, support for businesses, and securing housing for young people. More than 1.3 million people completed the questionnaires, with a large majority supporting the government’s position.

The government has already fought a successful battle with Brussels over Ukraine’s EU membership. In the national consultation held in the fall of 2023, the question of Ukraine’s membership was included. At that time, over one and a half million participants voted against it, with 99% rejecting the idea.

In response to the war in Ukraine, the government also asked the Hungarian people’s opinion about the EU sanctions imposed in the fall of 2022. According to reports, 97% of Hungarians rejected the sanctions that caused significant damage. 1.389 million people participated in that consultation. One of the most well-known national consultations was held in May 2015, during the European migration crisis. That consultation focused on immigration and terrorism. 1.254 million people participated, with a significant majority supporting the government’s stance against Brussels’ policies and in favor of national interests.

Clear Mandate 

Besides the national consultations, referendums also provide an opportunity for voters to express their views on critical issues, thus setting the direction for the government. For example, the government-initiated child protection referendum was held on the same day as the 2022 parliamentary elections. In the four questions on the ballot, a significant majority of Hungarians supported the government’s position against the spread of LGBTQ+ propaganda in schools and kindergartens. In 2016, the government asked Hungarians about the EU's migrant quota sceme.

In the referendum following the migration crisis, 98% of Hungarians rejected the migrant quota plan and supported the government’s position on a strict migration policy.

Cover photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Photo: MTI/EPA/Sergiy Dolzhenko)