Szijjarto denied reports that Prime Minister Viktor Orban had changed his position on the matter, allegedly influenced by US President Donald Trump.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister argued that Ukrainian membership would facilitate the free movement of alleged mafia networks throughout Europe.

He added that, in his view, low-quality Ukrainian agricultural products would devastate the European agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, political analysts see these statements as a deepening of the confrontation between Budapest and the EU.

Experts believe that Hungary’s stance reflects its national security concerns and economic interests.

Bilateral tensions have escalated following the recent attacks on the Druzhba pipeline, which affected supplies to Hungary. European critics accuse the Hungarian government of using divisive and alarmist rhetoric within the community.

Meanwhile, Budapest reiterates that it will not yield to what it perceives as pressure or blackmail to change its position.

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